Summer Sessions Become a Huge Plus to Many

 “Summer classes at Eastern Shore Community College allowed me to ease back into college,” said Crystal Meadows Cathell of Parksley. 

Crystal re-enrolled at ESCC after her first enrollment 25 years ago. Last summer at ESCCC she was able to “get back to the habits of study and restart my journey towards graduation.” 

ESCC Vice President Patrick Tompkins said, “Summer classes benefit students in many ways. High school graduates can get an early start on their college career or extend their dual enrollment credits into a new term.” 

Tompkins, added, “Our current students can use the summer to complete ‘catch-up’ credits or to continue their programs and graduate more quickly.” 

“We also welcome students home from university,” Tompkins said. “Like ESCC students, they can catch up on courses they missed this year or get a jump on courses they need next year.” 

For a former ESCC student like Crystal, she realized, “I can dream bigger!” 

Students will find excellent, caring instructors at ESCC. Crystal credits Professor Emily Moore, for helping her “close the gap on those years I’ve been gone.” 

Crystal explained, “I found my confidence again, and I learned more about myself.” Her new-found comfort in public speaking is essential because Crystal is aiming to become a ministerial counselor. 

And ESCC has funding to help students pay tuition and purchase books. Students should contact the financial aid office. 

For a third year, ESCC will feature a program of free courses. It’s called Take Two. Any Shore resident who graduated from high school or completed a GED in 2020, 2021, or 2022 is eligible. 

“Imagine being able to take two courses of your choice for free!” said support coach Alfie Destro. “Our Take Two program is wildly popular with students, not to mention the parents and other family members who help students pay for school.” 

Students interested in the free Take Two program can enroll in courses for transfer or courses that lead to employment. 

Rashid Exama of Accomac said that summer classes, “will help lighten my course load for this coming fall. I’m going to graduate early, which is so exciting for me and my family!” 

Rashid was able to “get his general classes out of the way quicker” and move on to the business of securing his skills as a master electrician. 

He added, “I felt taking summer classes kept me plugged in and ready to take advantage of future opportunities.” Rashid aspires to run his own construction business and has benefitted from ESCC’s electrical and HVAC programs. 

Vice President Tompkins cites multiple entry points through the year as a huge “YES!” in the college’s accessibility. “We welcome students where they are in their lives. Like the song says, “Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call.” He added a favorite tagline at ESCC: “We can help.” 

Contact ESCC on the web, by email studentservices@es.vccs.edu, or by phone (757-789-1720).