Callie Tester, who had been homeschooled since the first grade, was nervous about starting college. But her fears were alleviated when she arrived at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Watauga Campus, where she not only found a comfortable place to pursue a college education, but also excelled to new heights.
The CCC&TI Board of Trustees and President Dr. Kenneth A. Boham honored Tester Wednesday night, presenting to her the 2016 Academic Excellence Award. She was given a plaque and medal at the CCC&TI Board of Trustees meeting on May 18 on the Watauga campus, where she’s currently completing an Associate degree in Computer Technology Integration. The annual award, which is presented by each of the state’s 58 community colleges, is chosen based on faculty nominations and academic achievement.
Tester grew up in Sugar Grove and chose CCC&TI to start her college career on the advice of her sister, Cazzie, who recently graduated from CCC&TI with a Nursing degree.
“My sister said people were so friendly and welcoming,” Tester said. “It’s a great place to learn. The teachers are so helpful. They’re always available.”
One of the keys to her academic success, Tester said, was getting involved and taking advantage of the various services CCC&TI offers. In addition to having a work-study job on campus, Tester serves as Vice President of the Watauga Campus Student Government Association, is a TRIO/SSS student and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
“I’m pretty much in to everything,” she said.
Tester is on track to graduate with an Associate Degree in December, and hopes to transfer to a 4-year institution to complete her Bachelor’s Degree. Her dream job, she told the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, would be to work for Google.
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