Student Stories

August 8, 2025

Before Yassmine Moujahid even graduated high school, she had already earned a college degree, thanks to the Harper Middle College program at Central Piedmont in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools—a place she says helped her find her community, her passion, and her purpose.  

Yassmine chose to attend Central Piedmont's Middle College program for the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. She enrolled in the biological sciences pathway to complete general education requirements and build a strong foundation for the future career of her dreams: dentistry.  

Now, with a degree and essential knowledge in hand, Yassmine is one step closer to making that dream a reality.

“Central Piedmont has empowered me to take control of my future by helping me plan my academic and career path more effectively,” Yassmine shared. “It has also taught me valuable responsibility, which I appreciate as it prepares me for the next steps in my education and career.”

At Central Piedmont, Yassmine found more than just academic support. She formed lasting friendships, built community, and forged strong connections with teachers—all while balancing high school and college courses, two jobs, and ongoing community service. Thanks to the flexibility of her class scheduling, she was able to design her school days around designated study and work times.   

That flexibility and community also made space for her to give back. A member of the Salvation Army's Boys and Girls Club since kindergarten, Yassmine has long been involved in community service. During her senior year, she launched a Valentine’s Day card project within her community to uplift local youth. She set up stands at school and, with help from her classmates, delivered cards to children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.  

“I loved it because it showed how the community can come together out of the goodness of their hearts,” Yassmine reflected. “It’s just an amazing feeling.” 

Future Plans

Her desire to uplift others fuels her passion for dentistry, too. With a biological sciences degree from Central Piedmont already complete, Yassmine now plans to study business at Queens before heading to UNC Chapel Hill for dental school. Her ultimate goal? To open her own practice and make dental care more accessible. 

“Growing up, my family, we weren’t the most fortunate,” Yassmine shared. “Whenever they had some type of pain, especially dental, they wouldn’t go. That was very heartbreaking to see.” 

Her goal is to make a difference for others who may face similar barriers to receiving care. 

“Giving that opportunity to help someone smile or just boost up their confidence through their smile—I think that’s an amazing gift. I would love to have that,” she said.  

From supporting her community to working hard toward her own goals, Yassmine is forging a path to a bright future. And thanks to the foundation she built at Central Piedmont, she’s stepping into her next chapter with clarity, confidence, and determination. 

July 29, 2025

As a high school student dual-enrolled at Central Piedmont, Nhi Hau was already taking big steps toward a future in medicine. This spring, she graduated with two diplomas and two degrees, ready to head to UNC Chapel Hill in the fall on a full academic scholarship.

But Nhi’s journey to a career in medicine began long before college. 

Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and raised in Charlotte, she grew up as the only English speaker in her family. She helped her parents during doctor’s visits, translated in emergency rooms, and became a voice for her parents in medical settings. She learned medical terms by listening and became curious about the signs and symptoms of different illnesses.

“It was because of my mom's miscarriage back when I was six, when I had to turn to her and tell her that she had lost the child that we had been waiting for a couple months,” Nhi reflected. “Then I realized that I really enjoyed being with someone during their most vulnerable times."

These early experiences, in addition to her family’s challenges, made her want to continue to help others through difficult moments. Her desire to help others grew stronger over time, and she took on more responsibilities to accomplish her goals. In addition to her busy schedule taking both high school and college classes, Nhi also took online courses at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Balancing three schools was no small task, but Nhi stayed focused.

Future Plans

Central Piedmont played a big role in her success, with faculty and staff encouraging her every step of the way. Even more so, the challenge of her coursework taught her many things about herself and helped her grow the confidence to blossom.  

“Central Piedmont has really allowed me to step into the world of higher education, both physically and mentally,” she said. “The coursework pushed me to think more critically and taught me life skills that I’m certain will help me succeed at Chapel Hill.” 

Additionally, Nhi was driven by her parents, and made the most of being a first-generation college student.  

“Being a first-generation college student to me means being able to do the things that my parents couldn't," Nhi said. “I know it's partially my dream, but it’s also my parents' dream, and it's very nice being able to let them live vicariously through me and live this dream out for myself as well.” 

In the face of many challenges, Nhi somehow managed to balance it all. In addition to attending three schools, she stayed active in clubs, spent time with her friends and family, and never lost sight of her goals. 

“The opportunities here are endless, and the faculty and professors are incredibly supportive in helping you find a path that’s right for you,” she said. “But it all has to start with your desire to make the most of your time at Central Piedmont.” 

Now, her hard work is paying off. From a young age Nhi discovered her passion, and Central Piedmont helped pave the way for her to follow those dreams.  

Learn More about Nhi's Experience

July 8, 2025

Jae Taylor is an emergency medical sciences student with a passion for helping others and uplifting communities through paramedicine. Originally from Boston, Jae moved to Charlotte to be with family and pursue an education at Central Piedmont.  

When choosing a school to begin their journey in emergency medicine, Jae took time to carefully research their options. With family already in Charlotte, Jae looked into local colleges and found that Central Piedmont stood out.  

The strong connection between Central Piedmont and Mecklenburg County Emergency Medical Services caught Jae’s attention. Jae admired the agency’s reputation and the doors it opens for students. After seeing the program’s great outcomes for public safety graduates, Jae knew Central Piedmont was the right place to take the next step. 

“I noticed [Mecklenburg County] Medic has opened its doors to help support and teach students at Central Piedmont, which results in a good relationship between those who are still learning and those who are working in the profession,” Jae said. “Everybody comes together to help serve the community.” 

While earning their degree, Jae received the Merancas Technical Career Scholarship, which supports students in hands-on fields that lead directly to the work force. Beyond the classroom, Jae applies their training through clinicals and ride-alongs with Mecklenburg County first responders. These real-world experiences teach Jae how to support people during some of their hardest moments. 

One instructor, John Cooper, made a lasting impact on Jae’s journey. His experience in emergency medical science helped Jae build valuable skills and grow confident in their career path. His open and welcoming teaching style continues to inspire Jae.  

“I’m in a program where there are very experienced professors and instructors that I feel confident will help me grow the most in my career path,” Jae said.  

Future Plans

Jae is on track to graduate in December 2026 and plans to start serving the community right away. With a goal to work in community paramedicine, Jae hopes to help people who struggle to access quality healthcare. Jae believes diversity in the first responder field is essential. Representation can help address the unique healthcare needs of different communities. 

“I would love to have a lifelong career of helping people on their worst days,” Jae said. “It’s very important for the community to feel supported and have first responders to address their needs, and I hope to have a career where I can impact the community in that way.”  

In the future, Jae hopes to return home to Boston and give back to the community that raised them. Whether in Charlotte or Boston, Jae’s mission stays the same: make medicine more accessible to everyone, no matter the challenges they face. With determination and heart, Jae is on a path to make a real difference—and Central Piedmont is just the beginning.  

Learn More about Jae's Experience

June 20, 2025

Chloe Mbongo never expected her biggest college lesson would be learning to give herself grace. A straight-A student in high school, she entered Central Piedmont in 2021 confident and ready to excel. But things didn’t go as planned— her courseload felt overwhelming, and she struggled to meet the high expectations she set for herself.  

By spring of 2023, Chloe faced a tough realization: she didn't earn enough credits to graduate from Central Piedmont. She then had a choice to make—keep struggling alone or finally ask for help.  

When Chloe finally talked to her friends and family, everything began to change. She saw that what worked for her in high school wasn’t enough in college. She needed to work harder and study differently. With help from her support system, she changed her habits, attitude, and goals.  

“I became no longer interested in just passing but truly learning what was presented in front of me,” Chloe shared. “I came to realize that learning is not a chore, but a privilege.” 

Chloe turned her failed classes into four semesters in a row on the President’s List. When she shared her story, she saw that it could help other students too. She didn’t run from fear—she faced it and emerged stronger than ever. Instead of letting it define her, she used it as motivation to build the future she wanted. 

Future Plans

Chloe graduated with an associate in arts and is now transferring to UNC Charlotte to get her bachelor’s degree in communications. She also wants to earn a master's degree in Christian counseling at Southeastern Seminary. At graduation, she stood on stage and told her story to thousands of people—many who had faced similar struggles like she did—and showed them it’s possible to succeed.  

Learn More About Chloe's Story

June 4, 2025

As Shenise Young stepped up to the podium to deliver her commencement speech, she did so not just as a graduate, but as a living embodiment of resilience. Her journey to the stage defies the traditional college narrative—one marked not by ease or privilege, but instead by detours, doubt, and sheer determination.  

A teenage college student turned working mother, Shenise faced every reason to give up. Yet, with unwavering grit, she transformed setbacks into steppingstones. Her story isn't just about beating the odds—it’s about rewriting the narrative. 

When Shenise first arrived at Central Piedmont, she was 16 and wide-eyed—a new high school graduate and determined to take on the world. She had big dreams and couldn’t wait to chase them. Having skipped a grade earlier in her education, she graduated as one of the youngest in her class. Unlike many of her peers, she immediately enrolled in summer courses, eager to begin her journey toward higher education.  

But her path took a turn once she arrived. The journey ahead began to feel like a mountain she wasn’t sure she could climb. It wasn’t that she lacked capability, she just felt unprepared, and doubt slowly crept in through that open door.  

At the same time, life outside of school grew increasingly difficult. Shenise faced personal challenges and ultimately decided to leave school. She began working full-time and, soon after, learned she was going to be a mother. From that moment on, Shenise’s no. 1 priority became her daughter. She did everything in her power to create a positive environment for her, despite her difficult circumstances.  

And as long as we’ve got breath in our bodies, we still have an opportunity.

Facing New Challenges

The challenges kept coming, but Shenise rose to tackle each one.  

“Despite how life had started to change for me, I still could be kind, I still could smile and be patient...waiting to be told I could be something else,” Shenise reflected. 

She devoted herself to building the foundation of the life she wanted to live, pivoting from a role in healthcare to a new opportunity in finance. Along the way, Shenise discovered a love for accounting. 

Despite finding a new career path, Shenise wasn’t fulfilled. As time went on, she contemplated returning to school. She had tried to return on several occasions, but it always ended in what she perceived as failure. 

“Although I was in love with the idea of college and the life I could have on the other side of it, it simply didn’t love me back,” Shenise explained. “It demanded more and more of me, and more simply was something I did not have—or so I thought.”  

Returning to Central Piedmont wasn’t easy— especially as a mother of two, a wife, and a full-time employee—but she faced her fears and did it anyway. Shenise returned with a 0.827 GPA—a far leap from the required 2.0 to graduate. However, she didn’t shy away from the task ahead. She dug deep and shouldered a workload many would find overwhelming. 

“I kept working, I kept trying, I continued to get back up even though I consistently felt like life was pushing me back down on the ground,” Shenise said.  

She challenged herself more than ever and persevered through it all, earning her spot on stage as commencement speaker. In the two semesters since her return, Shenise balanced 28 credit hours during both the fall and spring semesters, in addition to another nine between December and January—totaling 55 hours in just one year. She also joined the NC Scholars of Global Distinction program, adding more to her already full plate. The result? Her hard work paid off. Shenise walked across the graduation stage with a 2.96 GPA and two degrees: an associate in art and an associate in applied science in accounting and finance. 

Though her journey wasn’t easy, Shenise’s story is a testament to how determination, hope, and compassion for oneself can help through even the toughest of circumstances. It’s never too late to write the rest of your story—because regardless of the journey, the destination matters most. 

“See it through to the end and finish what you started. No matter how long it takes you. Because life is for the living,” Shenise shared. “And as long as we’ve got breath in our bodies, we still have an opportunity.” 

With her sights set on an international accounting degree, Shenise is heading to North Carolina A&T with plans to pursue a career in forensic accounting and teaching community financial literacy. Proudly standing atop the mountain that once seemed too daunting to climb, Shenise leaves Central Piedmont with an unmatchable strength she forged from the trials she overcame. 

Learn More about Shenise's Journey