For Alex Velasquez, Craven Community College became more than a place to earn a degree—it became the foundation for his future.
This May, Alex will graduate with his associate in science degree after discovering a passion for hands-on learning, building lifelong friendships, and finding a career path that truly excites him.
“What made me choose Craven Community College was the split campuses,” Alex explained. “Having a campus in Havelock close to home and the connection to engineering programs made it an easy decision.”
Like many students starting college, Alex admits he was nervous about the workload during his first semester. But those concerns quickly faded as he found support from instructors and classmates who helped make the transition easier than expected.
“I found that the workload was manageable, and the teachers were very friendly and easy to work with,” he said.
Drawn to science from an early age, Alex found his classes engaging and interactive—especially physics and biology, where experiments and projects made learning feel exciting rather than intimidating.
But it was Craven’s welding courses that helped shape his plans for the future.
“The amount of hands-on work that you get to do here gives you a sense of familiarity when you start a new job,” he said. “It makes transitioning into the workforce much easier.”
Through that hands-on training and real-world experience, Alex discovered a passion for welding that has inspired him to continue his education at a trade school in Mooresville after graduation. There, he’ll complete an intensive nine-month training program focused on welding, fabrication, machining, and blueprint reading.
Alex hopes to eventually return to Eastern North Carolina and work at Fleet Readiness Center East at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
He credits Craven’s counselors and instructors for helping him stay focused and supported throughout his journey.
“When things got tough, the teachers helped me keep going,” he said. “They were passionate, open, and easy to talk to.”
Beyond academics, Alex also found something he didn’t expect: community. At first, he struggled to find where he fit in. Over time, he realized that community often begins in the classroom—through group projects, shared challenges, and friendships built along the way.
“I have lifelong friends now because of it,” he said.
As he prepares to graduate as part of the Class of 2026, Alex encourages anyone who feels unsure about college to give themselves a chance.
“What I would tell someone who thinks they don’t belong in college is: You do.”