Teaching gives RCC Graduate Madison Williams “happiness that’s unexplainable”

We first met Madison Williams in 2022, while she was earning her degree at Robeson Community College and working full time at North End Veterinarian Clinic in Lumberton. 

Fast forward to today and Madison can now say she is a proud graduate of RCC, the Class of 2024 after completing the requirements of the Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation. 

“It has been stressful at times, but I kept remembering what I’m working towards, and that helped push me through,” Madison said.

Madison is a first generation college student. She earned her degree completely online. The few times she has been on campus include a tour she did in high school, taking a continuing education class that lasted just a few days, attending a pinning ceremony for education graduates, and walking across the stage during the graduation ceremony held at Robeson Community College. 

Madison was honored with the 2024 Highest Overall Academic Achievement Award for the Teacher Preparation program, an award program director Dr. Phoebe Harris presented to her during the education pinning ceremony she attended (pictured above).

“After meeting Dr. Phoebe Harris at the pinning, it made me wish I had been able to be on campus just to get to know her better,” Madison said.  “But online classes gave me the ability to go to work and spend time with my family.”

“Although I was not on campus, I did not feel any different,” Madison said. “I felt like I was right there… everything that is offered to students on campus is offered to online students, I was included in everything even though I wasn’t there in person…. it made me feel very involved.”

While she was earning her degree, she enrolled in the Effective Teacher Training course through RCC’s Continuing Education and Short-Term Training. It’s a class that helps prepare individuals for substitute teaching, providing a stackable credential towards a career in education. 

“I took that class on campus and it helped me get a job subbing,” Madison said. “I am a long-term sub at Rowland-Norment Elementary in Lumberton.”

Madison has been helping to teach first graders since August of 2023. Although she misses the animals she interacted with at North End, like Happy the Dog, she says her heart is in education and working with children. 

“I love it, it is my most favorite thing in the world,” she said. “This has been the most fulfilling experience as a teacher, it brings me a sense of happiness that is unexplainable.” 

Madison will be transferring to East Carolina University to earn a bachelors degree in education. She plans on completing this degree complete online, too, and is looking forward to the new experiences that await her in the coming years. 

“My ultimate goals is to become a teacher,” Madison said. “I would definitely like to stay exactly where I am and continue working at Rowland Norment.”

“I would recommend Robeson Community College to anyone… the instructors are extremely responsive and it has just been a great experience.”