Alumni

Alumni Association Spotlight: Crystal Cannon

Crystal Cannon, NCC Alumna

“I heard a lot about Nash Community College through my high school counselor and friends,” NCC alumna Crystal Cannon said. “For me, it was the logical choice. The campus was close to home and I could still be near my family while starting work on my college education. It was also affordable, which meant I wouldn’t break the bank.”

Cannon grew up in Nash County and graduated from Southern Nash High School.  She currently lives in Wilson County.

“Attending NCC helped me make the transition from high school, where a lot of the work is done in groups, to college, where you have to study independently and everyone is more responsible for his or her own success,” she said. “My time at NCC was crucial to my academic and professional development. It prepared me for what I would experience at the university.”

While at Nash, Cannon worked as a tutor on campus and established lasting friendships with other students, faculty and staff. She earned an Associate in Arts degree in 2009.

“I encourage community college students to take every opportunity available. Get involved in clubs and organizations, make friends and make the most of your experience. Use all of the resources NCC makes available to you.”

After graduating from NCC, Cannon transferred to East Carolina University where she studied English and Hispanic Studies. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013, with honors.

Since 2015 Cannon has taught English online. “I teach children and adults from all over the world – China, Japan, Turkey, Russia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, just to name a few places… but there are many other countries represented by my students.”

With the Coronavirus outbreak, Cannon’s online classes have provided an alternative to the traditional face-to-face education. “I have seen a huge upswing in the number of classes taken online by students from around the world since the pandemic began, and I am happy to be able to help them continue their education despite the current situation,” she said.

“What I love most about my work is getting to learn new things. I am always learning something new from my students. By learning about cultures different from your own, you can make friends with and learn from others. Everyone has their own story, their own way of life, and what looks normal to you might look very strange to someone else,” she said.

Being able to work remotely allows Cannon to work from anywhere in the world. “So far I’ve been to Spain and England several times, with another trip to both countries planned. I am hoping to add several more countries and cities to that list.”

Cannon says her career and travels have helped her continue to develop her interest in intercultural studies beyond her formal education. “I am lucky to get a glimpse into the daily lives of people from other cultures and learn our differences and similarities,” she said. “Although we come from different walks of life, it is amazing how much we have in common. I experience triumphs and historical moments and disasters alongside them and hear their personal perspectives.”

“Understanding other cultures helps me stay humble, I think, and be less self-centered. It breaks down barriers and makes me feel more connected. It also promotes cooperation and presents new ideas and solutions that otherwise may have been overlooked.”