Adult Learners

Alishia Daniel always wanted to be a registered nurse (RN). “My dream of becoming a nurse started at an early age,” she said. “My mother inspired me to become a nurse. It was always her passion to become a nurse. Unfortunately, she passed away when I was six years old.”

The path Alishia followed to achieve her dream would start in SVCC's Practical Nursing program where she would earn a certificate and become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Alishia said, “I decided that it would be helpful to get some experience under my belt before pursuing the Associated Degree of Nursing (ADN) program.”

In 2016 she started SVCC's ADN program and graduated in 2018, fulfilling her dream to become a registered nurse. 

Alishia chose SVCC because it was affordable and she could take all the classes she needed close to home. She recalls, “My favorite part about the ADN program was the simulation lab and the amazing bond I created with my classmates and instructors.”

Alishia said, "SVCC provided me with everything I needed to successfully pass NCLEX (National Council Licensing Exam) on the first try. My instructors constantly encouraged and pushed me to be the best I could be. Nursing school was definitely one of the hardest accomplishments of my life, but my instructors made it enjoyable and even fun.”

Alishia has now been working at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in South Boston for four years. “I am an RN in the intensive care unit where I serve as a team lead, charge nurse, and preceptor,” she proudly reports. “As an ICU nurse I have gained experience with multiple bedside procedures, ventilators, critical medication drips, and so much more.

Dustin Sadler: Continuing to Rise 

With 18 years of experience in the electrical field, Dustin Sadler continues to climb ever higher up the ladder of success. Last fall, he enrolled in an innovative program at SVCC that accepts power line training and work experience as credit for prior learning. Qualifying students can earn up to 35 college credits toward the completion of an electricity certificate and an associate degree in industrial maintenance. Dustin recently graduated in the class of 2021. 

Previously credentialed as a journeyman and then master electrician, Dustin accepted a position with Dominion Energy and went through training to become an overhead lineman. After serving in that capacity, he became an Electric Serviceman 1st class, also known as a “Trouble Man.” In this role, Dustin served as a first responder to evaluate incidents that resulted in power outages, including car accidents, house fires, downed wires, and equipment failures. He has recently been promoted to Construction Foreman at the Richmond local office. 

Dustin began his postsecondary education immediately following high school graduation in 2004, but after meeting the credit requirements to become a journeyman electrician, he turned away from the classroom to focus on work in the field. “I always looked back and wished I would have finished my degree,” he says. 

“The opportunity was presented last year to use my Overhead Lineman Training Class toward credits to finish my associate degree and electrical certificate,” Dustin says. “I was able to finish in one year by taking nine classes, all online, to graduate in the spring of 2021.” 

Dustin said, “There were times I was overwhelmed and discouraged mainly because I have not had to write essays and do math on paper in 15 years, but my determination to succeed prevailed.” 

Dustin credits his wife, a registered nurse, and two young sons as his biggest supporters and sources of inspiration. “My main motivation to finish my degree and certificate was to set a good example for my young family. I want them to look back and remember that even though Dad was 35 and as busy with family and work as he has ever been, he still was able to further his education to provide better opportunities. I hope they can look back and use that as motivation to climb whatever mountain they are facing in life.” 

Dustin also gives thanks to his professors and advisers at SVCC. “My professors were great. My advisers included Matt Dunn and Dr. Chad Patton. They were knowledgeable in what classes I needed to finish and were prompt in answering emails.” 

“This is a great opportunity for someone to finish their degree,” Dustin says. “It is not easy and it takes time, but there are people in place to help.” 

If you would like information about SVCC’s credit program for prior training and work experience, visit southside.edu or call Matt Dunn at 434-736-2020.

Peyton Williford of Mecklenburg County attended many classes at SVCC and became interested in the Cosmetology program because she wanted to pursue career interests that were more artsy and creative.  Peyton said one aspect of the Cosmetology program she liked the most was the hands-on learning.  She said, “SVCC’s Cosmetology program taught me all the basics I would need to be successful as a cosmetologist.”  For Peyton, success meant opening her own salon, P’s Beautique in South Hill.  

Peyton credited her mother for inspiration as well as her former cosmetology instructor who encouraged her to envision her future and gave her advice on owning a business.  Peyton hopes her story will inspire others who are interested in cosmetology careers.  She said, “There is a lot to learn in a short period of time, but it is extremely rewarding.  You get to decide where this career will take you and how successful you will be.