The Central Piedmont Opportunity Scholarship provides students with the support they need to complete a career-focused, two-year degree in a variety of fields. Eligible recent graduates from Charlotte's Garinger, Harding, Chambers, West Charlotte, and West Mecklenburg High Schools are awarded a full two-year scholarship.
Betsy Barron is following her passion for helping animals. She is an Opportunity Scholar and first-generation college student who is planning to continue her studies after completing her Associate in Science degree at Central Piedmont in fall 2020 to become a veterinarian.
"Animals don't have a voice, so I want to be their voice and help them out," she says, "My dream is to go to Africa and help endangered species and then set up my own veterinary clinic.
However, after graduating high school in Charlotte, Betsy wasn't sure if her goals would be possible.
"I really don't know if I could have remained in school if I hadn't received the Opportunity Scholarship," she says, "When I got accepted it was an easy decision Central Piedmont offers a beautiful campus and a great learning experience, I just couldn't miss out!"
Since becoming a Central Piedmont student, Betsy has embraced the opportunity to get involved in clubs and activities at the college. She is a member of the NC STEM Alliance and Rotaract , and has participated in trips with Student Life.
"Central Piedmont has helped me expand my horizons," she says, "I've met new people, did things I wouldn't have done before, and learned so much."
Betsy offers this advice to her fellow students:
"Don't ever give up. Life will throw a lot at you at once, but you have to get right back up," she says.
"Go at your own pace. You aren't running your friend's race or your sibling's, you are running your own. You are making your own path."
"And don't forget it's okay to ask for help," she adds. "There are so many resources at this school and they are there to help you - so use them."
"Animals don't have a voice, so I want to be their voice and help them out," she says, "My dream is to go to Africa and help endangered species and then set up my own veterinary clinic.
However, after graduating high school in Charlotte, Betsy wasn't sure if her goals would be possible.
"I really don't know if I could have remained in school if I hadn't received the Opportunity Scholarship," she says, "When I got accepted it was an easy decision Central Piedmont offers a beautiful campus and a great learning experience, I just couldn't miss out!"
Since becoming a Central Piedmont student, Betsy has embraced the opportunity to get involved in clubs and activities at the college. She is a member of the NC STEM Alliance and Rotaract , and has participated in trips with Student Life.
"Central Piedmont has helped me expand my horizons," she says, "I've met new people, did things I wouldn't have done before, and learned so much."
Betsy offers this advice to her fellow students:
"Don't ever give up. Life will throw a lot at you at once, but you have to get right back up," she says.
"Go at your own pace. You aren't running your friend's race or your sibling's, you are running your own. You are making your own path."
"And don't forget it's okay to ask for help," she adds. "There are so many resources at this school and they are there to help you - so use them."
I really don't know if I could have remained in school if I hadn't received the Opportunity Scholarship.
