FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - February 2008

Justin W. Lawson

Liberal Arts/College Transfer

Justin W. Lawson of Danville isn’t quite sure of what he would like to do with his future, but he’s certain that he wants to combine his love of sports with some aspect of the legal field. The Danville Community College first-year student is well on his way to achieving his career goals, and if all goes as planned, Lawson will earn his Associate of Arts and Science Degree with only one year of full-time study at DCC.

“It’s a demanding schedule,” says Lawson who explains that he’s carrying 20 credits this semester and maintaining a 3.8 grade point average. “I just have to stay focused and study when I can.”

Lawson also admits that in addition to carrying a demanding college load, he also works two part-time jobs at Office Depot and Game Stop. When does he have time to study?

“I’m a night owl. I tend to stay up late at night to do homework and study,” Lawson adds. “It’s not easy, but it works for me. Last semester I had all A’s and I got one B – in an online course.”

The 2007 George Washington High School graduate began taking college-level courses during his junior year. Through DCC’s Dual Enrollment program, he took English, math and history courses, earning college credit. By the time he entered the DCC campus in Fall 2007, he had accumulated more than 12 college credits.

Lawson, the son of Pam and Jerry Lawson, says he made a calculated choice to attend DCC. He admits that although an honor student in high school, he waited until late in the spring semester to begin the college application process.

“I should have gotten started sooner, but when I look at what DCC has to offer, this was the better deal,” Lawson says. “When I look at the money factor, (the fact that) DCC is close to my family, and I can continue to work and save money, this is great.”

Lawson says graduating from DCC with an Associate of Arts and Science degree in one year has many advantages. He says he’s amazed other students don’t realize the benefits.

“When I look at some of the students who graduated with me and went on to UVA, I will be on par, if not ahead of them when I transfer with junior status next fall,” Lawson says referring to the Virginia Community College System’s Guaranteed Admissions Agreements with most four-year colleges in Virginia. “In addition, I will have saved time and money.”

After he completes his studies at DCC in May 2008, Lawson plans to transfer to a Virginia college to begin pre-law studies.

“I’m not sure where I want to transfer – UVA, JMU (James Madison University), Virginia Tech, I am just weighing all of my options to see who has the best scholarship package,” he says.

Lawson says he has been sports enthusiast for quite some time. He played baseball and basketball as a youth. When he got to high school, he began working part-time which he says left little time for sports.

“I love all sports – especially football, although I didn’t play it,” Lawson laughs. “As a child I knew I always wanted to be a lawyer.”

Lawson says the ideal career would be a combination of law and the sports industry. He sees himself as an agent for a player or team owner, or someone who handles player or team contracts.

“Drew Rosenhaus is one of the most famous sports agents, and he has a law degree (from Duke University),” Lawson says. “I can see how the two careers (law and sports) can be easily combined.”

Lawson says he encourages others to attend DCC.

“DCC has some really great professors. They are here for the students. Many times at big universities they are there for research, but here you know the professors want to see you succeed.

For more information about DCC’s programs of study, contact Cathy Pulliam, Assistant Coordinator of Recruitment and Enrollment Management, at 434.797.8538, or click here.