Academic Excellence Award Winner Describes Her Time at RichmondCC as ‘Amazing’

May 4, 2018 – Richmond Community College student Anna Auman of Hamlet received the 2018 Academic Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding academic achievements of students in the N.C. Community College System.

Auman will graduate May 12 with a 4.0 grade-point average from RichmondCC. An Early College student, Auman will be receiving an Associate in Science degree and transferring this fall to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She plans to major in recreational therapy at UNCW.

“After two years at UNCW, I plan to apply to the occupational therapy program at several graduate schools. When accepted, I will then transfer to another school to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy,” Auman said.

Auman enrolled in Richmond Early College High School (REaCH) in fall 2014. Auman said she wanted to attend REaCH as opposed to going to a traditional high school because she was drawn to the smaller, more personalized environment provided by the program. She also felt it would put her on a better path for her career.

“I chose to attend RichmondCC because after my first visit, I knew it was perfect for me. It gave me a variety of educational opportunities to explore before deciding on a career goal,” Auman said. “I especially chose RichmondCC because I would be able to take more individualized classes in a smaller, more intimate setting. The professors here have a personal relationship with the students, and I knew I would not get that at a larger university.”

Auman said all of her instructors at RichmondCC made an impact on her education, but her English teacher, Mary Wright, changed her outlook on writing.

“I often struggled in the past with writing a good essay or even just a good paragraph, but Mrs. Wright unlocked the mystery of writing for me. Her instruction was so specific and detailed that it quickly gave me the knowledge of how to confidently write,” Auman said. “My little sister is also attending RichmondCC, and I have told her repeatedly that she needs to take Ms. Wright’s class if she really wants to learn something that will help her in all of her other classes.”

Auman is graduating one year early from the five-year REaCH program. In her four years at RichmondCC, however, she has been very involved in the College as a student helper, a tutor and a RichmondCC Student Ambassador.

“I wanted to be a Student Ambassador after hearing my friend talk about his experience as an ambassador,” Auman said. “I have always enjoyed meeting and helping people. Being an ambassador allowed me to do both of those things while also allowing me to serve at various events at the Cole Auditorium. I grew in cultural knowledge by being allowed to experience the variety of performances offered at the Cole. I also met many influential people and was able to serve in a formal dinner setting. This was a wonderful way for me to be involved in the College and to learn new skills involving communication and working as a team.”

Vice President for Student Services Sharon Goodman said Auman’s work ethic and exemplary attitude made her a clear candidate for the Academic Excellence Award.

“Anna has been described by College faculty and staff as honest, sincere, loving, hard working, caring, appreciative and extremely conscientious,” Goodman said.

While Auman will be heading to a much larger college environment this fall, she said her time at RichmondCC has been amazing.

“The family atmosphere here has been so fun, and I enjoyed all the student-led activities. I loved being able to communicate with my professors and knowing that they were truly interested in my success. I also grew so much personally in how I manage my time, how I relate to other people, and how I approach difficult situations or assignments.”

For More Information

New students are now being accepted for summer and fall semesters. Summer semester begins May 21. You can apply online or call (910) 410-1730.