Siblings Find Success Through Dual Enrollment
Siblings Stephen and Katie Bunn both attended Nash Community College as high school students.
“My older brother, Stephen, attended Nash Community College (NCC) during high school and as a result he truly excelled at the four-year university. The course credits and experience he gained at Nash helped him prepare for, and make the most of, his academic experience… so I decided to do the same thing,” Katie Bunn of Rocky Mount said. “I am proud to say he graduated with his Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Appalachian State University the same weekend I graduated from high school and Nash Community College.”
Katie Bunn attended Northern Nash High School for her freshman and sophomore years before becoming a home school student during her junior and senior year. As she home schooled, she also participated in the Career & College Promise (CCP) program at Nash. CCP gives qualified high-school-age students an advantage as they begin their college education, tuition free at Nash. By taking classes at Nash before transferring to a university, students learn to balance course loads and transition into rigorous classwork. Bunn graduated from Nash Community College in May with Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
Statistics instructor Kochi Angar said, “Katie was one of the most conscientious and well-prepared students I have ever taught.” Before attending Nash, Katie admits math was her least favorite subject. However, on campus she found the help of gifted instructors and the subject quickly became something she enjoyed. “At Nash, because of our small class size and personalized attention, we are able to help students take advantage of learning resources. We create an environment where instructors are approachable and students feel comfortable asking questions,” Instructor Angar said.
“I have learned to love math so much in the last two years that I have decided to major in Statistics when I transfer to North Carolina State University,” Bunn said. She plans to minor in Computer Science and hopes to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in 2019. “I have always loved the Raleigh area and I cannot wait to take advantage of the opportunities at the university.”
Bunn was most impressed by the resources available to NCC students. For example, in the Math Tank she found tutoring to supplement her experience in the classroom. Additionally, she participated in a NCC study abroad trip to Canada to explore British Literature, Shakespearean plays, and the culture. “It was my first time out of the country, and I am so glad I was able to go because of an opportunity at Nash.”
“Nash Community College has provided an amazing journey,” Bunn said. “While the academics were challenging, they were also helpful in preparing me for the intensity of college. All of my teachers made me feel like they cared about my success in their classes and in life.”
Katie Bunn is the daughter of Eddie and Cyndy Bunn of Rocky Mount.
