Carmen Del Cid Garcia has always valued education. Along with her busy life as a wife and working mother of two, she is also excelling as a full-time student in the Business Administration program at Wayne Community College.
Del Cid earned her certified nursing assistant credential from WCC in 2008. She works at Mount Olive Family Medicine Center and serves as her church’s secretary, and she and her husband are also involved in real estate through flipping and renting houses.
Despite her many responsibilities, Del Cid wanted to continue her education and has been taking classes in WCC’s Business Administration program on and off for nearly 20 years. Her husband was also a student in the same program and graduated in 2023. “I had never stopped coming to school, but that’s when I decided to start taking more classes,” Del Cid said.
A broad industry
WCC’s Business Administration program offers an associate in applied science degree, a diploma, and several certificates. It can be completed through traditional seated classes, completely online, or through a combination of both, providing flexibility to work with students’ schedules. Graduates of this program can transfer to the University of Mount Olive for a four-year degree in business.
Del Cid has enjoyed learning about all aspects of business in the variety of classes the program offers, like microeconomics, small business, marketing, and bookkeeping. “I never thought there was so much in business to learn about,” she said. “That’s something that I like so much about business; it’s not about one thing. It’s so broad.”
The smaller class sizes at WCC allow for more individualized instruction and personal connection. For Del Cid, the support of her WCC instructors has been essential as a student. “If you have a teacher who cares so much for you to succeed, I think that’s what shows you sometimes that it is worth it,” she said. “Knowing that somebody is believing in me and there to support me is just fantastic.”
Determined to persevere
After graduating in May with an associate degree from WCC, Del Cid plans to attend East Carolina University and earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business. As someone who loves to help others, she wants to work in human resources within the medical field.
Although Del Cid has a lot to balance at work and home, she has been determined to persevere while working toward her degree. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and that nothing is impossible,” she said. “One thing I always tell my kids is that it’s not about how long it takes. You have to finish what you start.”
Finishing strong
Del Cid hopes her persistence encourages others to always believe in themselves in the pursuit of an education. “I want to be a good example that if you decide to do something, you can do it and be successful,” she shared.
As she approaches the end of a decades-long educational journey at WCC, Del Cid is thankful for how the College has allowed her to reach her goals. “The people at Wayne Community College have always found a way to help me,” Del Cid said. “They made me feel like I could do it.”
Learn more about WCC’s Business Administration program by visiting WCC’s website or contact WCC Business and Accounting Department Chair Erin LeGrand (etlegrand@waynecc.edu or 919-739-6880).