For many high school seniors, the coveted college acceptance letter marks the pinnacle of their primary and secondary education. This was certainly the case for Tyler Zobel, a determined student who poured countless hours into his academic success and crafting an impeccable resume. Despite his best efforts, he faced the disheartening reality of rejection from every university application he submitted.
Unsure of his next steps, Zobel, then a student at Havelock High School, sought guidance from his school counselor. It was then that he was introduced to the Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP) at Craven Community College (Craven CC).
C-STEP is a partnership between Craven CC and UNC-Chapel Hill that seeks high-achieving students, like Zobel, who are currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in the associate in arts or associate in science program and aim to transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill as juniors. C-STEP students are provided with advising, mentoring, and support during their transition and subsequent enrollment at UNC-Chapel Hill and participate in group activities, trips to the university, and community service projects.
Zobel decided to explore this opportunity and was accepted into the program.
“I was dumbfounded, especially since I was already rejected from UNC-Chapel Hill earlier that year,” Zobel explained. “I immediately accepted their offer.”
In addition to a guided academic experience, C-STEP provided him with a sense of belonging. Having previously focused on building an impressive list of achievements, he discovered genuine connections with peers, instructors, and the wider community.
Zobel acknowledges the stigma that often surrounds attending a community college as a precursor to a four-year college or university, but he urges others who may be on the fence to consider it. He noted that attending Craven has not only saved him more than $100K in tuition and fees thus far, but it has also provided him with unique friendships, experiences, and a broader worldview.
Reflecting on his time at Craven CC, Zobel acknowledges the invaluable support he received. Beyond that, he believes the lasting impact of his time at Craven CC will be the people he connected with on this journey to graduation.
“I've found that spending time with veterans and other nontraditional students has significantly changed how I view the world,” he explained. “I had spent so much time around people my age that I didn't even begin to think how much more there was. Knowing these people has changed my perspective on the world indefinitely.”
Zobel will graduate with his associate in science degree with honors this Friday, May 16. He will pursue an associate in arts degree over the summer, then hopes to start his undergraduate journey in mathematics at UNC-Chapel Hill this fall. He plans to study abstract algebra in preparation for graduate school in physics or computer science. Ultimately, Zobel aspires to be a researcher in quantum computing or artificial intelligence, as well as law and politics, aiming to one day earn his juris doctorate and run for public office.
Regardless of where his academic journey takes him, Zobel appreciates the struggle he went through to get where he is today. His experience offers a prime example of the transformative power of community and the unexpected paths that can lead to success.
“Sometimes you feel like the world around you stopped because you aren't where you want to be,” he said. “It never did; you are just preparing for when you get there.”
For more information on C-STEP at Craven CC, visit CravenCC.edu/CSTEP or contact C-STEP Advisor Cameron Kishel at 252-444-5249.
