Student Profiles

Before Mike Paris became the bureau manager for the city of Norfolk’s Economic Development Department, he was earning his associate in general studies from Tidewater Community College. Originally from Massachusetts, Paris was unsure what his future career would entail but was advised the degree would transfer well to any four-year program he pursued in the […]

Deborah Barnes’ graduation from Tidewater Community College has been 14 years in the making. Barnes started taking classes at TCC back in 2009 as a single mom of two kids. While Barnes was studying social sciences and general studies, she sought out academic counseling and tutoring help from the Open Door Project, where she met […]

Ben White began losing his sight when he was 27. He is now totally blind and pursuing an associate degree in Human Services at Tidewater Community College. He found a passion to serve others with disabilities when he was struggling to find work during the pandemic. “Once I realized that many jobs were not accessible […]

Zach Grinvalsky just completed his first year at Tidewater Community College and is confident he made the right choice by attending community college. Zach chose TCC because of the flexibility it gave him to work and help support his family while receiving a college education. When starting college last year, he was unsure of what […]

Damien Algernon, a Tidewater Community College student, is this year’s New Century Transfer Pathways Scholarship awardee for the state of Virginia. Selected out of two hundred applicants, Algernon will receive a $2,250 scholarship. Algernon was recognized on April 3 at the American Association of Community Colleges conference, held in Denver, Colo., during the President’s Breakfast […]

Paige Russell discovered her passion for interior design while a student at Tidewater Community College. She originally planned to study social sciences for a career in mental health counseling. But one semester in and she knew the field wasn’t a good fit for her. “TCC gave me the chance to explore programs and I didn’t […]

Tidewater Community College Funeral Services student Jaden Fowlkes took second place in an entrepreneur competition held at the Virginia Beach Campus on Jan. 21. He was one of six Virginia student entrepreneurs who presented their businesses in a shark-tank style competition for the ultimate prize of up to $50,000. All six students started a business […]

Brian Marshall is one of those people who make you smile when you meet him. He’s affable, relatable and full of joy. And that was on the worst days of his life. Brian came to Tidewater Community College after losing his business and his home. He was living in his car, hoping to build a […]

Meet David Hopkins, a Tidewater Community College STEM Promise Scholar. David is following in his dad’s footsteps and preparing for a career in cyber security. A Suffolk resident, David has adjusted well to college life after years of homeschooling. “My favorite thing about TCC is the opportunities,” David said. “I especially like working with classmates […]

Rachel Dunn is proud to be a Tidewater Community College Student Ambassador and Outstanding High School Graduate Scholar. “I never really considered community college until my godmother encouraged me to apply,” Rachel said. “Now that I’ve been at TCC for two semesters, I can say it was the best decision ever.” As an Outstanding High […]