Laura Garcia, Admissions Advisor of the Onslow County Extension Program, nominated Sessoms for the award citing her accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom. “Her rapport with other students and her willingness to help solve problems has provided this office with immeasurable help. She is also involved in the Student Leadership Institute as Director of the Alumni Association and has attended numerous conferences where she was a facilitator for many of the workshops,” said Garcia.

Additionally, she was the recipient of the Daryl Mitchell Outstanding Student Award for the Eastern Division of the North Carolina Community College System. Only three students are selected for the state honor annually.

Despite all of her success, Sessoms said her greatest accomplishment has been earning her daughter’s admiration. “I feel my greatest achievement is setting a positive example in my daughter’s life. I was able to instill the value of education in her life, and she is looking forward to going to college,” she said.

As an extension-site student, she attends UNCW classes at a Jacksonville location, which allows her to pursue her studies with minimal hardships. “It is convenient to my work schedule, as well as being a single mother. I can take all of my classes here in Onslow County and never travel to the main campus,” she said. Without the Extension Program, she said there are many non-traditional students, like herself, that would not be able to further their education. “I am thankful for the sociology and criminal justice department for always being supportive of the program in Jacksonville and sending professors here to teach,” she said.

Sessoms also said she is “very blessed” to have the support of her parents, noting the special challenges that many non-traditional students face.

Not only is Sessoms working her way through school, but she also finds time to be actively involved in the community. Each summer she volunteers with the Onslow County Soup Kitchen, and she freely gives her time to participate in the Relay for Life and Beach Sweep, among other things.

Sessoms will complete her undergraduate studies this spring, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. She hopes to matriculate into East Carolina University’s graduate program after graduation.

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The Seahawk Perch congratulates Michelle Sessoms as our January 2007 Non-Trad of the Month. If you would like to learn how to nominate yourself or someone you know for this award, CLICK HERE.