Celebrating OHIO Chillicothe's Graduates

Shelbey Arnold

Major: Bachelor of Science in Education

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Teaching

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When my classmates and I worked together and study. We supported each other

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It's close to home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Karen Corcoran is so intelligent and encouraging as well as Jeanie Dalton. Both are amazing professors and really believe in their students and want to help them succeed.
 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The hardest thing is learning to adapt in a new environment with so many people from all over Ohio. But we all want to learn and help each other out. No one is alone.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Having out and studying at the library and outside after class bouncing ideas and plans.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don't miss your moment to make new friends and connections ask for help there is no judgment. We are all learners regardless and at OHIO Chillicothe you are treated as family.

 

Salina Chandler

Hometown: Logan, Ohio
 
Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Continuing my education for my Pediatric Nurse Practitioner credentials.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
My ah-ha moment was in my last semester as I was doing my preceptorship, that will be hands down the best experience. The moment I was able to critically think about what was going on and how everything works together or how certain things will work against us. The moment when I realized that this is the real world and everything I do matters.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Chillicothe because at the time it was a lot closer to me than what it is now, however, there is something special there that I didn't know existed.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors were all of my nursing professors because they have each impacted my life with knowledge and skills. Jennifer Montgomery is my favorite Coordinator of School of Nursing Operations. She's the one who tells you what you need to do before you go onto the next and the one that you can go to for a laugh.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
My first failed exam was the hardest hill to climb up from. It was a wakeup call that no one wants to go through, but it happens. I learned how to study better and speak up if I don't understand something.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories at Chillicothe are all the labs, looking back to remembering how terrified I was for my first checkoff and just looking at how far I have come in life and all the new friendships that were created.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
"Even the greatest were beginners. Don't be afraid to take that first step." – Unknown

Julie Doles

Hometown: Vinton County

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

What are your next steps or plans for the future? Continue on to my Bachelor of Nursing

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Once I began my preceptorship and was able to actually do nursing work, I realized that I can do this!

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Nursing pass rates, Small class sizes, close to work and home, and cost

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts-she is AMAZING!!! She really knows her nursing and can teach well, she is very respected and the school is fortunate to have her. Professor Kovach-I have had many conversations with her, she taught me to never give up and I will forever remember all that she stands for. The school is also very fortunate to have her. Professor Tedesco and Professor Hardiesty are also great instructors. I have learned a great deal from both of them. They were both very knowledgeable and taught me so much. I was able to go to both of them if I was having trouble and they always took the time to help me. Professor Hamman is a sweetheart and tries her best to help everyone. She is very kind and she makes sure you understand or is more than willing to meet with you to discuss it until you figure it out. OHIO Chillicothe is very fortunate to have these professors who are all caring and really want the student to succeed. I would also like to recognize a few of the clinical instructors. Professor Fannin has made a huge impact on my nursing career. She believed in me and encouraged me all the way through. Without her, I would not have some of the confidence I have today. I would also like to recognize Professor Good, who was excellent to work with and had faith in me when I was nervous about IVs. She was always there by my side and helped answer my questions.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
I had to learn to think like a nurse. Nursing is the hardest thing that I have ever done. I had to retrain myself to look at questions and answer them correctly. I had to learn to stop reading into the question and adding things to it. This was very challenging for me and honestly, I struggled for quite a while with it. Today, look at things from a whole new perspective.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
I have made some great relationships with my peers through my time spent here at OHIO Chillicothe, we have laughed together, cried together, learned, and studied together. Some of these students become part of your family, I really enjoyed how people pull together and help each other, they truly have your best interest at heart. I have learned so many things from the professors that I will take with me for the rest of my career.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would tell any student that once you begin your clinicals, it is ok and normal to be scared, but I share with you that any opportunity that you get to do something, NOW is the time to jump in and learn, no one wants you to fail and they are right there to help you. Learn all you can learn!

Alayna Hurley

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio

Major: Early Childhood Education

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to become an elementary teacher in Chillicothe.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
College comes with its own challenges, but with my amazing support group made up of family and friends, I felt anything was possible and it really kept me going.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it was close to home. Nothing beats getting a degree in your hometown.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Jennifer Domo was the best cheerleader and support system throughout my college career.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
There are times in my college career when I felt burnt out or lost motivation. I think knowing that I wasn't alone in feeling that way and just taking one thing at a time really helped with the overwhelming feeling. My support system also played a huge factor, their encouragement kept me going.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
I met my best friends at OHIO Chillicothe and I wouldn't trade the memories I have with them for the world. My favorite memories would have to be the weekly lunch dates. Lots of laughs were shared.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don't miss the opportunities to get involved on your campus! I was a student worker for OHIO Chillicothe twice and loved every minute!

Emily Moore

Hometown: Bainbridge, Ohio

Degree: Master's Degree in Reading Education with a Reading Endorsement (online program)

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I would love to become a literacy coach and help fellow educators in the classroom. I would also love to become a professor at Ohio University!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I got an A on my very first master’s project!

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I love how close it is and how comfortable I feel there.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor (Chris) Kennedy has been great throughout the entire program. He’s very easy to talk to and helpful.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The hardest hill to climb was starting! Taking graduate-level classes while working a full-time job was very intimidating, but I’ve done it and I’m so proud of myself!

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Just walking through the campus and enjoying the beautiful views.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet new people! I have made a lot of lifelong friends.

Mikayla Stevens

Hometown: Chillicothe

Major: Early Elementary Education

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To become a teacher at a school in my hometown!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
When I had a really tough fall semester in 2022-2023 and two major projects and then ended up getting a 100 on one of the projects as well as balancing a job and personal life.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It is in my hometown, which I love.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Amy Wolfe- she was my advisor and always helped me stay on the right track as well as encouraging me to do my best. Karen Corcoran- during submitting our edtpa she was so supportive and gave us so many useful materials and help!

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
Working through the pandemic, having classes online. I kept myself organized to maintain good grades every semester and put my all into all the work I completed. It paid off!

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Having lunch with my friends who are also in early childhood education between classes. Having that support system is so important.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Take time for self-care. When things get crazy you need to apply yourself, but you also need to take a moment to breathe.

SierraWard

Hometown: Frankfort

Major: Associate in Arts-Social Science Emphasis

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I will be coming back in the fall to pursue my Bachelors in Social work

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
I didn't have this, I battle with mental health problems so right up to the end I was wondering if I could actually do this.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It was better for my mental health to be closer to home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Some of my favorite professors have been Debra Nickles, James Gilmer, Dr. Matthew Smart, Leonard Wheeler, Rosemary Frech And Dr. Amy White. These six professors made it easier to be a student with mental health problems, they worked with me and helped me keep my cool when I was stressed. They all gave me the extra push going through to make it to the end. I couldn't be more grateful.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
Statistics and physics were my hardest hills so far. With statistics Dr. Smart helped me, he was very thorough and concise in his explanations. Physics I would use Chegg and work out similar problems to grasp the concept.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Having overwhelming support and a caring relationship with my professors helped my anxiety a lot and made school more enjoyable.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not miss the conversations with your peers and professors they make the stress more bearable.

Mackenna Brown

Major: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to use my degree to teach our new generation and set them up for success in the future. I plan to stay local and teach at a school in my hometown.
 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this”?
My ah-ha moment was when I made it through the year of COVID. It was such a challenging time for everyone I think, and I knew if I made it through the worst time, I could make it to the end.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because I wanted to stay close to home because I love my community. I’ve had such wonderful professors here and have always felt so welcome. OHIO Chillicothe does so much for students and makes sure they still get that college experience even if they are just a small community college. They go above and beyond! I just love the community here.

Who was your favorite professor and how did he/she make an impact on your life?
My favorite professor was Jeanie Dalton. I was so introverted and closed off when I first entered her classroom but by the end of this semester. I feel like she’s almost my therapist. She checked up on me a lot to make sure I was doing okay and I feel like I could talk to her about anything. Her passion and enthusiasm for teaching are evident in her teaching and it just inspires me to be a teacher like her.
 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The hardest hill for me to climb was when my anxiety was taking a toll on my classwork. I overcame it by taking a step back, looking at the bigger picture, and realizing that maybe I wasn’t truly doing what made me happy. I was in pre-med my first year and switched to education the next year and I knew immediately it was the right choice for me. I had the best support group of family, friends, and professors to help me through it, too.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories are the lunches the university would feed everyone sometimes and just walking around campus in between classes when it was nice and sunny outside. My absolute favorite memories though are the friendships I’ve made at this college.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would tell them to go to the sporting events. Something I wish I had done more is going to the basketball games or other sports events, and I would advise them to get more involved with the campus activities.

Lily Clark

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I am moving to Cincinnati where I plan to get a job as a RN hopefully in Labor and Delivery or Pediatrics.
 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I finished the last final before my last semester

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It's close to home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?

Professor Shotts and Professor Philips are both amazing professors. They encourage everyone to try their hardest and to do their best.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Trying to balance work, school, and clinicals while also trying to spend time with my family and friends.
 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Spending time with friends in between classes and during free time.
 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would tell new students to make sure they have enough time for studying but to not miss out on their free time and to not dwell on a bad score, one or two bad scores don’t mean you’re going to fail.

Keera Goolsby

Major: Associate in Applied Business (Business Management Technology)

Hometown: Washington Courthouse, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Future plans are to go to esthetician school and open my own salon.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this”?
After my first year, I realized college was not so bad and I could do it.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I choose the Chillicothe campus because I was in the high school class of 2020 and COVID was in full swing so I wanted to attend a nice school but also be close to home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
All of the professors I had were great and really helped me.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome the challenges?
The hardest thing to get through was the COVID regulations and being online most of the time. Having the professors and students all going through it also and being able to communicate and relate really helped.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don't miss class and check your emails for all the cool activities the school provides.

Maddy Jenkins

Major: Early Childhood Education

Hometown: Washington Courthouse, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?

My plan after graduation is to come back to the community I grew up in to become a kindergarten teacher.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?

I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it was close to home and I liked the low professor: student ratio.

Joni Needham

Major: Associate in Applied Business-Business Management Technology

Hometown: Waverly, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?

Continue the path that I'm on and do everything I can to provide the best life for my family.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?

Going into my last semester, I did receive a sigh of relief realizing that I got this and I'm going to graduate!

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?

Proximity to home

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?

Dr. Obi was a fantastic and engaging professor. He was my professor for multiple business classes and he was always so structured, kind, and helpful. I really enjoyed Professor Rist this last semester for my SAM class. She provided great energy, was very detailed, and was helpful!
 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?

My biggest challenge was maintaining focus and energy to complete my degree to the best of my ability all while being a full-time clinical manager, being a mother to two teenage daughters, and a wife to my husband. My family was so very supportive during my 2 1/2 years and always encouraged and cheered me on!

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?

Enjoying every minute as it doesn't last long and you never get it back!

Adam Seitz

Major: Associate in Applied Science-Medical Assisting Technology

Hometown: Vinton County, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?

Getting a job. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?

Taking all the classes to graduate.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?

It's close to home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?

Professor Cynthia Boles. She got me on the right path to graduation.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?

Starting out I didn’t think I could do it but later I realized I can I had to just keep on keepin’ on.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?

When I finally got to graduate.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?

Making new friends.

Taneka Willis

Hometown: Waverly

Major: Bachelor of Technical Applied Studies


What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Continue my career with the Adena Health System leadership team and work towards completing my master's degree this fall.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
When my then 6-year-old said, “Mommy you are my hero.”

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I love being close at home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Donna Burgraff

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Trying to rush things. You can’t rush. Enjoy the ride.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
When working on my associates I loved taking biology classes at Chillicothe.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Enjoy these days it will go by faster than you think.

Dylan Carrol

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio
 
Major: Middle School Education (Math and Social Studies)

What are your next steps or plans for the future? Get a teaching job.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?

Graduation Day

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe? Close to home

Who was your favorite professor and how did he/she make an impact on your life?

Karen Corcoran makes life better.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss? Class!

Collin Climer

Major: Associate in Applied Business-Business Management Technology

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future? Getting a quality job in my field

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this”?

When I started organizing and planning my time to be able to complete my assignments. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?

Affordability, especially when everything was online my freshman year due to Covid

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?

Studying for finals

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?

The first day of class is always fun.

Erika Gray

Hometown: Bainbridge, Ohio

Major: Psychology

Minor: Communication Studies

What are your next steps or plans for the future?

Build Skills/Career and Travel

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?

August of 2022, when I realized how far I had come

Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?

Tony Vinci helped expand my worldview and way of thinking.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?

Struggling with constantly being anxious about the future. I had to learn how to be curious about the future instead of afraid of it.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?

Being outside, Chillicothe is a beautiful town.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?

Be curious, take classes outside of your wheelhouse if they interest you.

Dannie Lackey

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

Hometown: Macarthur, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?

I plan to start my career as an RN and continue my education to get my BSN. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe- that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?

At the very end was when I felt that. This has been the toughest thing I have ever done. I've had plenty of late-night study hours, a lot of tears and stress, but even more encouragement and praise from family, friends, and professors.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?

This campus is close to home and small. I'm from a small town, and this campus provided that same sense of small-town friendliness. I was able to get to know my peers and meet some amazing people. The relationships I had with most of my professors were something only a small campus setting can offer.
 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?

I have several so it's hard to narrow it down to one, but my first positive and encouraging experience was in a chemistry course. I find chemistry intimidating but I am so thankful to have had Brenda Miller as my professor for the course. I was able to speak with her from the start and discuss my concerns for the course. She was so kind, and encouraging and would stay after labs to break things down into more detail that I was struggling with. This was my first experience with an OHIO Chillicothe professor who showed me that they do care about my education and that they are here to help us succeed.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?

The hardest challenge I faced was my lack of confidence. I was worried I was too old to go back to school, and that I would not be able to keep up with the information. My support and encouragement came from family, friends, fellow classmates, professors and advisors. I would not have had enough confidence in myself to do this without them.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?

When I started this journey it was on campus, halfway through Covid kicked us all off campus and into virtual studies. I was so thankful when we went back to on-campus courses, that is my favorite memory. I never realized how being in a classroom setting right in front of the professor and having my peers surrounding me would make learning that much easier.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?

Don't miss out on bonding with your classmates. You spend a lot of time with these individuals, get to know them, support and encourage each other. You will meet someone who is just your kind of person that makes every situation a blast.

Taylor Rogers

Hometown: Grove City

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Working at Grant Medical Center in Intermediate and Critical Care

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
My first hands-on clinical experience. The interaction with the patient and family at the bedside. The countless thank you’s and appreciation showed me why this is my passion

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Small campus to form close relationships. Being able to walk down the hall and be known by name.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts. She went above and beyond to make sure each of us was successful and reached our highest potential

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
Finding balance with school, work, and day-to-day life. A lot of prayers, help from professors, and a strong support system

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
The amazing friends I gained on my journey

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Put yourself out there and form relationships that are lifelong

Gavin Snyder

Hometown: Chillicothe

Major: Middle Childhood Education

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Pursue a job in education

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
During student teaching when I saw growth in my students' knowledge.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It is close to home and provides a quality education.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Karen Corcoran is always there to lend a hand and provide supportive advice.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
When I changed my major from Integrated Social Studies to Middle Childhood Education

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
I’ll never forget the professional internship seminars with my classmates.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Never miss out on a chance to participate in the university activities

Cayla Carson

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Major: Biological Sciences

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to resume my education at Ohio University next fall to start my journey to complete my master's degree in business analytics.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
I was unsure when I first started at OHIO Chillicothe, as my first semester was during the peak of the pandemic but the support that surrounds you is what really pushed me to realize that I can do this. Of course, there were times I wanted to walk away and quit, and there were days I felt like I didn't know who I was. During those times, when I was an education major, I thankfully had lots of classmates experiencing the same issues so we could bond over those times and it helped push us to be better. The advisors are just another reason why OHIO Chillicothe is amazing, they are informative, supportive, and always in your favor at the end of the day.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I wanted something small, affordable and that felt like home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I was able to experience Professor Tamela Dixon's knowledge in my diversity class for education, and I was skeptical of course that I would not be comfortable in a class like this but that was far from the truth. From day one, Dixon will challenge and place your mind in new perspectives that you didn't know existed. The class will make you discuss situations that our society doesn't usually talk about. Dixon is just a great professor, and she is very understanding, in terms that we are all human. It's not every day that you meet a professor that is so open to every perspective that is thrown their way, and I think that is what brings me to love her as a whole and her teaching style. She really opened my mind up to a lot more that I was not comfortable doing on my own, and she challenged me to talk. The biggest thing that many people struggled with in the class was just being okay with being uncomfortable, they didn't want to hurt other people's feelings. Then it made me realize that not only is that society today but that's my life. We are all caught up in our little worlds, scared to express our opinions or just talk about subjects that can be difficult. I am no longer scared to talk aloud. Dixon is more than a professor, she listens and she is so accepting, her confidence really helped me grow into a stronger person just in the small period of time I was in her class.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
I did not experience hard climbs at OHIO Chillicothe but I had days to where I felt unhappy with my life. You never get to pick when things happen, they kinda just do. Dealing with a breakup, while working through my summer and fall semesters, was challenging for me. I felt very defeated and overwhelmed, not just with school but with my personal life. I eventually ended up in therapy to work through that rough patch which helped tremendously, but it was still hard. I had the support from peers that got me out of the house more, and pulled me out of the funk I was in.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
After class coffee at the ROST.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not miss deadlines for classes! Also, be aware of what your DARS is and keep track of the progress throughout the years.

Sherielyn Delong

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

Hometown: Corning, Ohio

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I am going to continue my education by getting my bachelor's degree.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
I told myself that I’ve got this during med surge 3. At this point, I stopped doubting my ability to succeed once I realized that I was almost to the finish line.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because some of my friends had told me that it was a great school and that they had a great nursing program.

Who was your favorite professor and how did he/she make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts and Professor Hamman both had a major impact on my life. They were both willing to take time out of their schedule to help me succeed.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill that I had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe was trying to pass med surge 2. I had to change the way I studied and set aside distractions so I could focus on studying.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite OHIO Chillicothe memory would be when I first started the nursing program and everyone was very nice and welcoming.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don’t miss the food trucks out front!

Jessica Grey

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio

Major: Associate in Arts, Arts and Humanities Emphasis

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan on taking a break from school to focus on my art and build a career around it. As a Queer artist, I hope that my work will inspire those like me to create and be creative. I have always been passionate about the arts and being an Appalachian, I feel that art is deeply rooted within my culture. I want to help keep that passion alive, especially within this community.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this”?
My ah-ha moment was when I was nearing the end of the introduction to wheel throwing class my freshman year and realized that I had to find a way to keep working with clay. I believe that if I hadn’t taken the class or continued my work that the trajectory of my life would be vastly different. Before taking ceramics, I was getting burned out in art and questioning my major because of a lack of time and motivation to push forward. Like a fire, I needed a spark, that experience, to ignite my passion and further my desire to create. Suddenly I was ablaze. After taking the class, I knew what I wanted and began working hard to achieve it. That was when I knew that “I’ve got this!” I had to pursue a career making art.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio Chillicothe because it was close to home and more affordable than other colleges.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors here at OHIO Chillicothe are Debra Nickles, Dennis Deane, and Marguerite Hernandez. As a first-generation college student, I did not know what I was getting myself into, and at times I felt I was alone in my educational journey. Often, I felt like another number or face in the crowd, but connecting with these professors made me feel like more than that. There are people who care here at OHIO Chillicothe. Nickles, Deane, and Hernandez show a desire to see their students succeed and connect with them beyond the scope of their classes. Each of these professors has motivated me to keep pushing forward and follow my dreams. I cannot possibly thank them enough for everything they have done. Their efforts and greatness far exceed anything I could attempt to write here.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
One of my favorite memories was the salon that was held for my English class with Debra Nickles to showcase the work we had done over the semester. Having helped plan this for weeks, I felt especially connected to the event. At the salon I had the opportunity to talk with local artists I looked up to and share experiences with my fellow peers. We got to talk about our culture and diversity as Appalachians and as artists. Each story was unique and worth listening to. I'll never forget that class or the many connections I’ve made because of it. Another very fond memory of mine goes back to my first time taking ceramics. Throughout the semester, Dennis Deane would play classical and jazz music loudly over the classroom speakers while we worked. You knew when he was in the studio because you could hear the music as soon as you got to the bottom of the stairs. My classmate and I enjoyed knowing he was there and working to get the clay ready for us to use. It’s the little things that make that class memorable.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not miss out on the opportunity to have fun. I strongly recommend students not miss out on the ceramics program. Ceramics is meditative and allows for an escape from the stresses of other classes and life. It provides an environment where students can relax and be themselves in addition to helping develop problem-solving skills, improving fine motor skills, and creating a better connection between the mind and hands. Working with clay has nothing but benefits for students. If you have the opportunity, take the class!

Bradley Miller

Hometown: Chillicothe

Major: Middle Childhood Education

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Get a teaching job in Ross County

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Starting my professional internship

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Great Location

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Karen Corcoran for her dedication to her students' education.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My professional internship

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The disc golf course

Hope Rundels

Hometown: Chillicothe

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, get board certified in psychiatric mental health nursing, work two years and go back for my PMH-NP.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
When I realized my friends were pushing me as much as I was pushing them.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Because it is close to home and my children.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts, because she is also a mother of two wild children.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
The hardest hill I had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe was my first semester because I didn’t know anyone and hadn’t made friends yet. Once I met my two best friends in this program the struggle was over.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Although exams and quizzes could be awful sometimes, seeing everyone after them and rallying each other was my favorite because it showed we were all going through the same thing.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not take the professors' back story and the stories they tell you lightly, they do it because they are showing that you can do it and to learn from them. They do not want you to experience failure.

Kandyce Stewart

Hometown: Asheville, Ohio

Major: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To become a Hospice Nurse

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Seeing graduation only being 20 days away!

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Closest to home

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts, Hardiesty, and Hamman. They were all so patient and so quick to help with anything!

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges?
I failed two classes, did remediation, and came back with a new cohort. With Jeremiah by my side, I was able to keep pushing through. I reenrolled and here I am!

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Too many to count

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don't miss out on your loved ones. Keep them the closest, as you'll need them the most.