The first time she enrolled in college, Sierra Curry dropped out after only a few months.
This time around, she’s a Phi Theta Kappa inductee who’s not going to let anything stand between her and graduation.
The difference: A couple years, and a newfound sense of resolve born out of personal hardship and growth.
“The first time, I really wasn’t ready, but I didn’t know that at the time,” Curry said. “This time, I’m ready, and I’m doing it, and nothing is going to stop me.”
A Monroe native, Curry always wanted to become a teacher, so in 2021, shortly after her high school graduation, she enrolled at South Piedmont, building a class schedule around her full-time job at Walmart.
“I remember I went out and bought all the things I thought I needed to be successful – the printer and the supplies. Even though I had all the stuff I needed, something in my brain told me, ‘I’m not ready for this.’”
By May 2022, that little voice in her head got the best of her. Sierra stopped going to class, putting a temporary end to her college education.
In hindsight, the pause on her educational pursuits was exactly what she needed on a personal level. Sierra lost her grandfather and was diagnosed with several conditions that she needed to learn to manage before she could once again focus on her coursework. Plus, she needed to get her driver’s license so she could drive herself to class.
“My first day of class when I came back was my second day of having my driver’s license,” she said.
By August 2024, all the pieces fell into place, and Sierra reenrolled. She is now pursuing her Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, and she is on track to graduate in 2027. She plans to transfer to Wingate University to become a special education teacher.
Reflecting on how she’s changed since she first started at South Piedmont, Sierra said one thing she’s gained is a sense for how short life is – and how important it is to make it count.
“I’ve lost a lot of people in the last few years. I know they are up there, watching me, saying that they know I can do it and they’re proud of me. I want to do this for them,” she said.
“To anyone who’s a little older in life, I would say don’t be afraid. If you want it, you just have to take a step. There are people who will help you. I know it is scary, but you are never too old and it is never too late.”
Learn more about South Piedmont’s Early Childhood Education program.