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The saying goes, “We ALL bleed RED”…Go Pack! I am a proud 1st generation graduate of North Carolina State University. And I have no doubt that my life would look totally different today had I made the decision to not continue my education. 
I am a testament of how higher education helps to change lives for generations and helps to break the cycle of poverty. So, today I’m sharing the positive impact that higher education has had in my life with “5 Reasons to Choose NC for Higher Education.”
As I mentioned, I am a first generation University graduate in my family. My parents were both high school graduates and worked hard to provide for our family. With a family of 6, at times, my parents had to rely on government assistance in order to have what we needed. I knew that I had no choice but to go to college in order to have a better life for myself and one day, my family.
So now, as a wife and mother of 4, we are guiding our children with the mindset that a higher education is a must in order to live a better life and to acquire opportunities for better income and earning potential. As most jobs will require some sort of postsecondary credential, not necessarily a 4-year degree, but training or certificates from a community college or university, it is a must.
For our kids, we are planning for dual enrollment into community college during high school. Then, they’ll transfer into a 4-year university or college. For instance, our oldest at 12 years old is preparing to become a doctor. She plans to attend NC State University for undergrad and then Duke University in Durham, NC, for medical school.
It’s so exciting! And it’s easy to learn more with the Higher Education Works Foundation. It is an organization that promotes the value of higher education credentials. It’s also a strong economic force for advocating that North Carolina higher education systems continue to be well-funded, affordable and accessible to all.
Amazingly so, a North Carolina constitutional mandate requires the North Carolina General Assembly to provide all citizens with affordable higher education. We are one of three states to do so. Like, WHOA! It is important that NC lawmakers continue to align with this. You can register for the Higher Education Works Foundation’s weekly newsletter and connect with them on their social media channels to stay informed.
5 Reasons to Choose NC for Higher Education
1.Southern Hospitality.
You really want to choose a place for higher education that you wouldn’t mind living for a few years. Well, North Carolina has wonderful southern charm and hospitality. And from the rolling mountains to the gorgeous beaches, NC is just beautiful. I made the best of friends while attending NC State. 
2.Higher Education Selections.
North Carolina affords so many choices when it comes to colleges and/or universities to attend. As home to the first public university in the United States, it is rich and sustains a tradition of public support for higher education, from community colleges to universities. My older sister received her Associate’s degree with highest honors from Lenoir Community College. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and some post-graduate work in Counselor Education Master’s Program at NC State University.
My Husband received his Bachelor’s in Industrial Technology with a minor in business from East Carolina University.
So we know North Carolina’s higher education system has a great selection to choose from. And I encourage you to consider North Carolina public universities and community colleges to get your credentials and degrees to meet your life goals.
3.Access and Affordability.
You can count on the higher education systems in North Carolina to be accessible and affordable. As I mentioned above, North Carolina’s constitutional mandate requires the North Carolina General Assembly to provide all citizens with affordable higher education. We are one of three states to do so. Our constitution reads, “The General Assembly shall provide that the benefits of the University of North Carolina and other public institutions of higher education, as far as practicable, be extended to the people of the State free of expense,” so you can find a college or university that suits your needs.
4.Opportunities in Rural Counties.
Community colleges continue to support rural counties of North Carolina. As mentioned, my older sister proudly graduated with honors from Lenoir Community College. It helped to establish stable employment and more income to provide for her family, as well as setting an example for her children to continue their education. Her daughter, my niece, went on to obtain her Bachelor’s from NC State University and is now a Plant Quality Manager for a well-known brand. I must say that this is changing the course for generations to come in our family. 
5.Job Placement.
NC higher education systems help to place graduates into their particular field of study upon graduation, some starting even during their college studies by incorporating cooperative education opportunities. I actually participated in a co-op while at NC State. I had the opportunity to work in my engineering field, and when I graduated, I already had experience to carry into my career.
North Carolina higher education systems have so much to offer, to which I can attest. Don’t forget to stay informed by registering for Higher Education Works Foundation’s weekly newsletter and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.