Empowered with Degree and Career Options: Parkway Student Brittney Coleman

Excited to attend the College’s May 6 graduation ceremony, Brittney Coleman will join other Parkway Center City Middle College students in earning an associate degree a few weeks before receiving a high school diploma on June 8. 

With her associate in Liberal Studies degree, and graduating with Highest Honors, she will focus on a career in nursing this fall at North Carolina A&T, an institution she selected for a few reasons.

“I was looking at HBCUs, and students there have a 98 percent passing rate on their nursing exams. In addition to academics, I was also looking for the student life aspect; I wanted a school that supported both,” said Brittney.

Pursuing Liberal Studies allowed Brittney to explore her interests and strengths, and provided options for her career path. 

“My interest in nursing started toward the beginning of my junior year. When I started the biology class in the first semester of my senior year, my passions became clear, and I realized I was on the right path for what I wanted to do.” 

Opportunities through this dual admission program go beyond college preparation and a faster route to a bachelor’s degree program—the built-in support and skills have helped Brittney understand how to make decisions for herself, ask for assistance when necessary, and discover how classmates can support one another.

“I wasn’t understanding some concepts in biology, and I was getting frustrated. I decided to ask teachers and other students for help, and then I started to do better in the class. It really boosted my confidence,” said Brittney.

The environment created at Parkway also assisted students in working toward their goals together.

“We’re very strong in helping each other out. We all want to get through and succeed,” she said.

With the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse, Brittney is ready for her next degree and her next challenge.

“With this program, I feel more prepared. We’ve always had someone teaching us. We were taught to be more independent and advocate for ourselves. We were taught time management and study skills, and we received help with college applications. Even after we graduate, our instructors are always here for us,” she said.