From shy student to future trauma surgeon: RCC alum and mentor shine at State Board Presentation
Randolph Community College (RCC) was in the spotlight at the State Board of Community Colleges meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20, as former Career & College Promise (CCP) student Isaias Hernandez and his former Career Coach, Misty West, shared his remarkable journey and highlighted the impact of RCC’s CCP program. Due to a winter storm, the presentation was conducted virtually, but that did not stop Hernandez and West from making a lasting impression on the Board.d.
“Isaias’ journey exemplifies the power of access and opportunity that RCC provides,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “His success is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, particularly Misty West, who has not only guided students like Isaias, but has also strengthened our CCP program. We are proud to see RCC leading the way in dual enrollment, preparing students for high-impact careers while they are still in high school.”
Hernandez, a former Uwharrie Charter Academy student and a first-generation college student, maximized his opportunities through RCC’s CCP program, completing 40 college credit hours, earning his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) credential, and interning at Randolph Health—all before graduating high school. With guidance from West, he fine-tuned his career aspirations and took critical steps toward his future in the medical field.
“Isaias came to me as a shy student who was a little unsure about his options. He has developed into a confident student with a clear future path to his career,” West said.
Now a full-scholarship recipient at N.C. State University with plans to become a trauma surgeon, Hernandez continues to make waves. His dedication even earned him a seat at the table with former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for a roundtable discussion on dual enrollment in April. As a result of his participation in the roundtable, Hernandez was invited to the White House in November for a “Classroom to Career” Summit that included approximately 200 education and workforce leaders. Hernandez recently applied to a biomedical fellowship program that will give him the opportunity to pursue a master’s and PhD.
It all started at RCC.
“I completed my EMT license and 40 hours of credit for under a hundred dollars, and that's truly amazing,” Hernandez said. "I honestly don’t think I could be here without having those 40 hours of transfer credits and being able to say that I’m an EMT at 18 was amazing. It’s a great thing to be more attractive to those medical schools saying, 'I got my EMT license at 18 because of this program.’ ”
West, who has since been promoted to Associate Dean and now oversees RCC’s CCP program and Career Coaches, has played a key role in the program’s recent growth — expanding by 15% in the past two years to serve approximately 1,000 students each semester.
Aaron Mabe, CCP Coordinator for the N.C. Community College System Office, invited West to present Hernandez’s story as an example of both student and program success.
The presentation was followed by a Q&A session with the Board, further underscoring RCC’s commitment to providing pathways for student success.
For more information about RCC’s Career & College Promise program, visit www.randolph.edu.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com and SmartAsset and second in the nation by SmartAsset, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, call 336-633-0200 or visit randolph.edu/register. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.