A New Chapter at 50: Katina Brown’s Journey to Graduation

For more than 30 years, Katina Brown built her life in the kitchen. As a chef, she thrived in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, creating meals that brought comfort to others. But eventually, that lifestyle came at a cost.

After a serious conversation with her doctor, Katina made a life-changing decision: it was time to step away.

“At 50 years old, I found myself asking, ‘What now?’” she said.

That question led her to Craven Community College—and the beginning of a completely new chapter. Katina started small, enrolling in a Pharmacy Technician night class through workforce development. She passed the course, but more importantly, she regained something she hadn’t felt in years: confidence.

Soon after, she took a bigger step: enrolling as a degree-seeking student. But walking into college classrooms after decades away wasn’t easy.

“On my first day of math, I couldn’t even find my classroom,” she recalls. “I had to call my daughter to come walk me to class… just like I used to walk her.”

It was a humbling moment, but also a powerful one. As a first-generation college student, Katina began discovering new possibilities with the support of Craven’s TRIO program. With guidance from her advisor, she found a new purpose: helping others. That calling led her toward a future in social work and early childhood education.

But just as she was gaining momentum, life presented another challenge. Katina was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined not to lose the progress she had worked so hard to achieve, she continued her education through treatment, transitioning to online classes and finishing the semester strong.

“That experience taught me that when you have purpose and support, you can endure more than you ever thought possible,” she said.

That support came from many places. Through scholarships and donor-funded assistance from the Craven Community College Foundation, Katina was able to stay enrolled during one of the most financially difficult seasons of her life. She was also awarded the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship, ensuring she could continue her education moving forward.

Today, Katina is not only a student—she’s also giving back. As a peer mentor in the TRIO program, she now supports other students who may feel overwhelmed or unsure of their path.

“If I can do this at 50, so can you,” she said.

One of the most meaningful moments of her journey came when she saw her three daughters enrolling at Craven as well.

“I realized I wasn’t just earning a degree—I was breaking a generational barrier,” said Katina.

Now graduating in the Class of 2026 with her Infant/Toddler Care certificate and her Early Childhood Education: Intro to Early Childhood Education certificate, Katina plans to transfer to East Carolina University to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start again—and that with the right support, anything is possible.

“I am a student. I am a survivor. I am a mentor.”