When Nicolle Starnes enrolled at Craven Community College, she was returning to school after years away and balancing life as a mother of five. While she carried big dreams, she also carried doubts about whether she truly belonged in higher education—especially in a challenging field like engineering. What she found at Craven was not just an academic starting point, but a place that helped her believe in herself again.
“Craven Community College was the place where I learned to believe I belonged in higher education,” Starnes said. “Craven met me where I was and helped me build both the academic foundation and confidence I needed to move forward.”
That sense of belonging was shaped by supportive advisors and instructors who took the time to make difficult concepts feel manageable. Their encouragement helped Starnes see herself not as someone trying to catch up, but as someone on a path to success in engineering.
“Supportive advisors and patient, encouraging instructors made challenging subjects feel achievable and helped me see myself as someone capable of succeeding in engineering,” she said. “That sense of belonging and belief prepared me to take my next steps with confidence.”
While at Craven, Starnes faced significant life changes, including becoming a single parent, but she remained committed to her education. Through that experience, she learned that progress did not require perfection—only persistence.
Since leaving Craven, Starnes has continued her academic journey at NC State University, where she is enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering Systems program. Today, she is designing mechanical systems, working on wind tunnel projects, and collaborating on complex team-based engineering challenges—experiences that once felt far out of reach.
“My biggest accomplishment has been persisting through a demanding engineering program as a single parent while maintaining academic success,” she shared. “Beyond personal achievement, I am proud that my journey has shown my children what perseverance, education, and determination can accomplish.”
Now thriving in an intensive engineering environment, Starnes credits Craven for laying the groundwork that made her success possible, not only academically, but personally.
For current Craven students who may feel uncertain about their own paths, Starnes offers reassurance grounded in experience.
“Trust the process and keep going, even when things feel difficult or uncertain,” she said. “You do not have to have everything figured out to succeed. Progress comes from showing up, asking for help, and taking the next step forward. Craven is there to support you, and if you stay committed, you may surprise yourself with how far you can go.”
Starnes' story reflects the heart of Craven Community College’s mission: meeting students where they are, supporting them through challenges, and preparing them to go further than they ever imagined—for themselves and for those who look up to them most.
