Article published May 14, 2008
May 14, 2008
DCCC lauds graduates at campus ceremony
By DENEESHA EDWARDS
The Dispatch
For 34-year-old Kimhun Thit, Tuesday marked the next stage in her life
and a new beginning at the 44th Commencement Exercise at Davidson
County Community College.
In less than 100 minutes, her diploma in Pharmacy Technology became
official as she walked with nearly 200 other students who made up the
graduating class of 2008.
"I'm so excited to be graduating," Thit said.
Thit, originally from Cambodia, came to the United States in 1999 with
her husband of 10 years, Chesda. After moving to North Carolina she
began working at Pillowtex, formerly Fieldcrest Cannon Plant 16 in
Salisbury, where she stayed for four years until the textile mill
closed in 2003. Later that year Thit decided to enroll in a three-
month class of English as a second language at DCCC, because she knew
little English. Her native language was Khmer.
Not only did the class help improve her communication skills, but it
also gave her the confidence to become a citizen, which she acheived
in 2004. She didn't stop there. In 2006, she obtained her GED, also
from DCCC.
Later that year, Thit was accepted into DCCC's Pharmacy Technology
program. Not only did she have to learn the medical terms, she also
had to learn computer skills, which were needed for her online
courses.
"It was hard for me the first time I took a course for pharmacy," she
said.
Thit's dream of becoming a pharmacist began when she was in Cambodia
because she wanted to help people.
"I needed to finish my goal," she said. "I like pharmacy."
The road has been tough for the mother of two. She gave thanks to her
mother-in-law who watched her 8- and 3-year-old children when she had
class. She looks forward to working at Rite Aid on U.S. Highway 64.
Her husband has sup****ted the family since she has been in school. She
will be working with a pharmacist who is also from Cambodia.
Thit gives a lot of credit to her classmates and the faculty of the
college. The help and sup****t she received was very impressive, she
said.
"This college has really helped me," she commented. "Everybody was so
nice. I don't know how to say thank you."
Although Thit is thrilled, she will be happier when she hears news on
receiving her Pharmacy Technology Certification. She took the state
bar last week.
"I will be even more happier when I pass that," she commented.
Thit's ultimate goal is to go back to Cambodia one day and be a
pharmacist there.
"I can now help my country over there," she said. "I want to help
Cambodia out in any way I can."
Thit and the rest of the graduating class stood proud at 6 p.m. in
their black caps and gowns with more than 500 guests, students,
faculty, family and friends who sat or stood on the lawn in front of
the Mendenhall Building.
"Welcome to this exciting event," said Dr. Mary Rittling, president of
DCCC. "This is a day like no other. Go out and accomplish great things
for yourselves and the community. Don't forget the love and sup****t
you found here at your college."
The speaker for the evening was Dr. Scott Ralls, president of the
North Carolina Community College System.
Ralls became the youngest community college president in the state at
age 38 when he was named president of Craven Community College in
2002. He earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial relations
and psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a
master of arts degree in industrial and organizational psychology and
a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology where his research
focused on technology implementation, workforce training and issues
affecting older workers. His masters and doctorate degrees are both
from the University of Maryland.
Nearly 700 students were eligible to receive two-year degrees, one-
year diplomas and certificates this year.
Lexington native Casandra Kelly was thrilled to receive a two-year
associate degree in criminal justice. Her reason for attending the
college was to show her two teenage boys there's more to life than
just graduating from high school.
"No matter how old you are, you can still get a degree," Kelly, 36,
commented. "I wanted to let my kids know you can still be in your 30s
and go to school."
Kelly, a single mother, said although the road has been hard with her
working, attending cl***** and raising her children, it was worth it.
"I'm going to get my bachelor's now," she said. "I want to be a
juvenile court counselor because I love working with kids."
Stephen Tysinger, 20, came to DCCC in 2006 after graduating from
Central Davidson High School. He received a two-year associate degree
in arts and has plans to attend Appalachian State University to
continue with art and study journalism.
"Both of them always interested me," he said. "I have a passion for
writing and art. I'm just happy to graduate, so I can move on up to
App."
Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at
deneesha.edwards@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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