LCC graduates overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams
By Cailyn Kennedy
In a testament to the power of working hard despite all odds, Kinston residents Ronana Williams and Lanita Loftin have both achieved success at Lenoir Community College. These coworkers' stories share common threads of ambition and dedication to succeed.
The pair are currently working together at Fastax in Kinston, and while working, Loftin and Williams made the joint decision to pursue degrees in Accounting and Finance and Business Administration at LCC.
A 43-year-old mother of four, Williams began her journey at LCC after a sudden job loss left her with the challenge of providing for her family. An encounter with Mrs. Josephine Wallace-Koonce, Director of WIOA Title I Programs and NCWorks Career Center Manager, in a grocery store parking lot, changed her life, leading her to pursue classes at LCC.
"I was able to take her employability class and then moved on to attend the CNA course. I later achieved several certifications like CNA 2, Med Aide, and Phlebotomy through the WIOA program. I am forever grateful to the instructors who helped me along the way."
After obtaining certificates, she pursued curriculum courses, focusing on accounting through the QuickBooks program. Encouraged by Kristy Grady, Business Administration Program Chair, she completed an associate degree in Accounting and Finance in 2023, becoming the first in her generation to achieve a college degree. Facing obstacles toward the end of her Accounting and Finance degree, her support circle pushed her to graduate and continue pursuing a Business Administration degree.
A piece of advice Williams would give to others is grounded in positivity and determination, saying, "Stay positive, focused, and know once you complete your goal and walk across that stage, it will all be worth it in the end."
Her educational journey is not over yet, as she is still attending LCC to complete a second degree program. "I am currently enrolled in the Business Administration Program and expect to be completed in May 2024. I am super excited to be able to graduate soon with two degrees!"
"My overall best experience was being able to walk across that stage on graduation day. I cannot begin to explain the joy I felt knowing I did it. Looking around at all the smiling faces of students and teachers filled with joy was a blessing. I saw my advisors, Mrs. Grady and Mrs. Wallace-Koonce, smiling and watching their students achieve such a milestone of all time. I am looking forward to graduating again and starting my own company one day," says Williams.
“I want to encourage and give motivation to all who read this to let you know you can do all the things you set your mind to do. Having a support circle and goal in mind helps. Yes, you will get discouraged along the way and I advise you to not dwell on it but to move forward. Focus and remember why that got you in it from the beginning. Just know it will all be worth it in the end.”
Loftin, embarked on her educational journey alongside Williams. Throughout her time at LCC, the 42-year-old single mother focused solely on her academic pursuits. When asked about her experience at LCC, she expressed her enjoyment of the programs, stating that the teachers were her favorite part of attending the college.
Loftin is proud to be where she is today and is extremely grateful for the experiences that got her here. “Being a single mom and having to grow up fast was hard. Dealing with what life threw at me, and the people that have been in and out my life, I knew I had to step up and handle things on my own.”
Reflecting on the preparation provided by LCC's programs, Loftin affirms, "I feel as though my program has prepared me for my future endeavors. I am extremely excited to complete my degrees, knowing how dedicated I was to this journey."
When asked about the type of student she would recommend for her program, Loftin emphasized the importance of dedication, saying, "a dedicated one." She said she believes that success in the field requires a commitment to learning and a mindset focused on achieving goals.
For aspiring individuals considering the same path, Loftin offers a piece of advice: "If it is for you, then it's for you. You have to have the mindset and dedication to never give up."
“Lanita and Ronana have taken their educational journey together which has been so admirable to me, says Kristy Grady, Business Administration Program Chair. “They are both wonderful students and the sweetest ladies. I am so proud of both of them and wish them the very best.”
For more information about the Accounting and Finance and Business Administration Programs, contact Kristy Grady at (252) 527-6223, ext. 610 or email kbgrady68@lenoircc.edu.
Pictured left to right Ronana Williams, Kristy Grady, and Lanita Loftin.
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