Noelle

Noelle always knew she wanted to work with children, so a dual focus on early childhood education and special education seemed like a great fit. However, when she graduated high school she wondered if she was academically ready for college. “I didn’t have the worst grades in high school, but I definitely didn’t have the best,” she remembers. However, with a scholarship and support from the Silas Craft Collegians program, Noelle not only made the transition from high school to college, she has excelled. “Last semester was my hardest one yet, and I finished with a 3.2 GPA. This semester I am aiming even higher...a 3.8 or maybe even a 4.0. Anything is possible.”

During the summer, Noelle is a camp counselor with Howard County Recreation and Parks. She works with children with a range of challenges, from autism to Down’s Syndrome. “It’s a fun job because I am able to get that hands-on experience with the kids, as I would in the classroom setting. I actually look forward to waking up at 7:00 in the morning every day, because I am doing something that I love and have a deep passion for.”

After graduating with her associate degree, Noelle plans to transfer to her number one school, the University of North Florida