Phi Theta Kappa Featured Students

Jessica, originally from Stokes, NC, accepted the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa because “growing up struggling in K-12 school with a learning disability, and having an IEP” she knew “it was a huge honor to be given an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa.”

When asked why she chose Wayne Community College, Jessica stated that “living in Greene County, I was near many schools to get a two-year degree. I found when I looked into Wayne Community College that everyone was super helpful. My Criminal Justice advisor was able to understand my struggles with school and helped me build a schedule around what was best for me. WCC has some of the best professors and instructors. I have spent a lot of time in their offices, phones, and emails making sure I was clear (on what was expected). Not once did I ever feel like I was bothering them. I felt like I was talking to a friend that genuinely wanted to help me. For that reason, I stayed with WCC. I couldn’t imagine a better staff to support someone getting their two-year degree.”

After completing her degree in May 2025, Jessica is “considering attending a 4-year college. It’s another big step for me. My goal is to work with the DA’s office as their lead investigator. I will probably stay on as a GAL (Guardian ad Litem) but will cut back my case load some.”

Jessica has “been a GAL for almost 7 years now. I am a child’s voice (advocate) for children that have been abused or neglected by their parent or guardian and it has gone to court.” She currently “the JROTC booster club president at he youngest daughter’s high school, as well as a volunteer for numerous projects that pop up that need additional support.”

Jessica is first and foremost “a wife and mother of two beautiful girls. One is 20 years old and, in the US Army. My youngest is in the 11th grade and hoping to be a medic in the Air Force.” Jessica “loves horses, as I grew up with my uncle as a horse trade and rode more horses than people have ever seen.” She also enjoys visiting the mountains, listening to the quiet sounds of nature, investigations, and putting the pieces together to see the bigger picture.

Jessica “want(s) to show my children the importance of going to college and just because it’s hard for you doesn’t mean you should not try. You might even shock yourself at what you can accomplish. I know I was!”

Philip, a Goldsboro native, accepted the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa because he “felt the organization was a great tool to highlight students with a passion for learning. It helps build a sense of pride in honoring the student’s achievement while bettering themselves for the future.

Philip told us that he chose Wayne Community College because “I live in Goldsboro, it was an obvious choice for me based on my specific need in learning through the Engineering department. WCC gave me that option.”

This past May, Philip graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. “I am currently enrolled in the Associate in Science degree program and plan to transfer to either ECU or NC State to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I feel this enhances my experience and makes me more value for my company. It also creates a sense of personal achievement for myself at my age.” The company Philip works for “has been in business for over 135 years where I have been a tooling designer of 28 years.”

Philip has been married to his high school sweetheart for 32 years. He shared with us, “I am 52 years old; I have 5 beautiful children who are all grown, and most are married. They have blessed me with 5 beautiful grandchildren.”

Philip also “enjoys playing music (drums), funk and jazz are my favorite genres of music. I help direct, plan, manage, create, and play in a band (NorthBound Worship). We serve at a recovery center (Hope Extended) where we provide music for special events there.”

Kris, a native of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, accepted the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa for the program’s prestigious reputation, scholarships, and transfer opportunities.

As a Combat Medic Army Veteran, Kris chose Wayne Community College to pursue an Associate in Science (AS) degree, valuing the convenient campus commute. During his transition from Active Duty to civilian life, Kris plans to complete his AS degree and then transfer to East Carolina University, where he aims to earn a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.

In addition to being a full-time student, Kris is a dedicated husband and father of three wonderful children. He balances his studies with helping his kids with their schoolwork and honing their soccer and baseball skills.

In his spare time, Kris enjoys fishing, working on automobiles, refining his combat skills, and engaging in hands-on creative projects.

Mya Artis

Mya, a Dudley, NC native, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa because “it would be a great once in a lifetime opportunity”.

As Mya is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree at Wayne Community College, she is also working full time at Pizza Hunt, with a second job helping make children’s birthday parties memorable by dressing as their favorite characters for their special day. When asked why she chose WCC, Mya said “It was closest to my job, and it was really affordable”.

Upon completion of her degree, Mya is planning to move to Florida, attend Full Sail University, and major in creative writing. When discussing her plans, Mya stated, “I want to become a journalist and change the world with my words in a positive way.”

Although she is extremely busy with classes and work, Mya makes time for her two favorite hobbies, drawing and writing. She also loves the suspense found in reading murder mystery books and horror movies. When she is not reading, writing, or drawing, you can find Mya with her 5 dogs, which are pit bull mixes, or playing video games with her friends and family.

Mya also shared that “I am a new member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at the college, and I plan to keep my grades up so I can graduate with honors. Everything I do is to make my parents proud.”

Heather Drake

Heather, a Pikeville, NC native, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa because “my mother is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.” Along with joining ranks with her mother in our International Organization, Heather stated that she was proud of herself for excelling in her program, as this was a new experience for her.

While pursuing a degree in Emergency Management at Wayne Community College, Heather is also a full-time paramedic with Wayne County EMS, a mother of two teenagers, as well as extremely involved with Girl Scouts of America. She chose to WCC because “it is close to home and I like to be able to come to the campus when I need something.” After graduation, Heather is planning to continue growing her EMS career.

Heather and her 13-year-old child are in constant competition for the highest overall Grade Point Average. This, along with her love for the outdoors and helping others, keeps Heather motivated to succeed. Having her children watch her succeed is a way of keeping them motivated and instilling the constant love for family in her home. She knows that “no obstacle is too big when I have my mind set on a goal” and proud of have her children witness this truth in her life.

When Heather is not investing her time in puzzles and diamond art, she is “always looking for a new adventure for my family and I to go on.” She also enjoys “making people laugh because life is too short to be sad!”

Kaylee Martin

Kaylee, a Goldsboro, NC native, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa to “find friends and better myself through relationships with others”.

She chose to pursue her Associate degree at Wayne Community College “because it allowed me to study while also remaining close to family.” Upon completion of her degree, Kaylee is planning to attend “the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to get a Bachelors in Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Science.”

Along with accepting the role as the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa President, Kaylee is also an Ambassador for Wayne Community College, and volunteers with the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. She also works at Wayne Christian Daycare, enjoys reading all types of novels, and learning everything she can about her favorite animals – sharks!

When asked for a few extra thoughts, Kaylee stated, “I am grateful for my time at Wayne Community College because it has allowed me to make so many friendships and connections not only with other students, but also faculty. Throughout my time at Wayne Community College, I have grown tremendously as a person, not only growing in my academic journey, but also learning many valuable life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Anna Weeks

Anna, a Goldsboro, NC native, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa to “grow stronger leadership, academic, and personal skills, along with the opportunity to meet other scholars around the campus. Phi Theta Kappa provides countless opportunities for its members to grow into adaptable, passionate, and honest scholars and leaders.”

She chose to attend Wayne Community College “because it is local to home. After I graduated high school, I was unsure of what I wanted my future career path to look like. WCC and the wonderful staff helped guide me to find the right path for my career. Since my first day of classes, all my professors have been very supportive and encouraging and have always made WCC feel like ‘home’.”

What else sparked Anna’s love for business? “I decided that I wanted to pursue a business degree from watching one of my biggest role models’ successes over the years. My dad is a skilled electrical contractor who has also been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. By watching his leadership, determination, and work-ethic, this encouraged me to always work for what I want. He is a risk-taker, problem-solver, and the most optimistic person I know, and that is why I admire him. My dad has always told me, “I never dreamed of success, I worked for it.” That empowering statement has always stuck with me and motivated me to always chase after my dreams and realize that nothing is impossible.”

What are Anna’s future goals? “I graduated this past December with my Associate Degree in Business Administration. After much thought and consideration, I plan to stay at WCC for another two years, as I will be applying for the ADN program in the spring. I am very excited for this next chapter and to see all the opportunities that it brings.”

Outside of her studies, Anna enjoys traveling and exploring with her family and friends, spending time with her shih tzu, Bella Grace, shopping at Target and TJ Maxx, and meeting new people.

Paige Haines

Paige, a military kid who grew up mainly between England and Germany, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa upon moving to Goldsboro, NC, because she “wanted to do anything to help the college while I was earning my degree. It is important to me to be involved in the community, especially one that I am new to.”

Paige is one of six children in her family. They have lived in three different countries, with North Carolina being the fourth state she has lived in. Paige is looking forward to traveling more and seeing all that she can throughout the world.

She chose to attend Wayne Community College “because it was closest to (SJAFB) base at first. I wanted to be a substitute teacher, so I took that course, which motivated me to take the courses I am in now. Also, once I saw the campus and how pretty it was in person, I was sold!”

So, what are Paige’s goals now? “I am going to try to get into a top college. I went to a community college to save some money but with my associate degree that I will be receiving soon, I will be able to get a decent job. After that, I would like to go into the FBI Academy and pursue my dream of being a Criminal Behavioral Analyst (CSI stuff).”

Outside of her studies, Paige enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Ebony and Pepper, crafting and painting when she is motivated, playing soccer, which she has done since she could walk, and volunteering – especially for Upsilon Chi activities!

When asked for a few extra thoughts, Paige stated, “I am very excited to be a part of PTK and anyone that gets an (invitation) email about it, should join! I know that I had a lot of trouble looking for scholarships to complete, but on the account portal, there are many scholarships that one can receive no matter who they are. I also get emails about colleges and transferring so that I know I have options!”

Anna Hines

Anna, a Mt. Olive, NC native, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa “to become more involved on campus” and the community.

She chose to attend Wayne Community College due to the “well known nursing program” and wanting to make a difference in the lives of everyone she meets. Anna is in the ECU aRIBN program on campus and is looking forward to becoming an Registered Nurse and potentially earning her Bachelors of Science in Nursing through East Carolina University.

Outside of her studies, Anna loves “baking, cooking and trips to the beach” with her family and friends.

Dustin Neal

Dustin, from Pine Hall, NC, chose to transfer his membership from his previous PTK chapter to the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa “because it allows me to associate with like-minded students, engage in meaningful service projects, and enhance my academic and leadership skills. Being part of this prestigious honor society will enable me to be part of a community that values excellence in education and the positive impact we can make on our college and community.”

Dustin plans to transfer to a university to “continue my education in criminal justice and, ideally, accept a job at the Federal or State level of law enforcement.”

This love for justice and American history began displaying itself in his life around the 5th grade when he memorized all the US presidents and won the school spelling bee! Apart from history,

Dustin enjoys traveling to new places, exploring new sites, playing golf, attending Carolina Panthers football games, and spending time with his family. His faith is essential to him.

Kristen Joyner

Kristen, a Kinston, NC native, chose to accept the invitation to join the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa “to prove to others that no matter what you’ve been through in the past you can always achieve your goals.”

She chose to pursue the Business Administration / Operations Management AAS degree at Wayne Community College due to the flexibility of online courses while being a stay-at-home mom. After graduation, Kristen plans to work full time while reaching more goals she has set for herself.

Outside of her studies, Kristen loves “fishing, riding four wheelers, spending time with her family, and showing others Jesus.”