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STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - August 2006

Kristy Cox - Early Childhood Development/Liberal Arts - Humanities Specialization

“I want to save the world!” exclaims Kristy Cox of Chatham.

Cox plans to work in the humanitarian field and help initiate social and economic changes after she finishes her dual majors - Early Childhood Development and Liberal Arts – Humanities Specialization associate degrees from Danville Community College.

“After I finish my associate (of applied science) degree in Early Childhood Development in fall 2007, and the Liberal Arts associate (of arts and sciences) degree in spring 2008, I plan to enroll in a four-year college or university to study Global Economics,” Cox says.

With the world in crisis and children’s suffering daily on the news, there is no doubt that Cox is motivated to do her part.

“At almost 30-years-old, I am more mature now,” she says. “I understand that things will not change unless we have people who are willing to challenge the authorities. I am so passionate about the concept of all people, regardless of race, creed, and color, living together in peace. This coincides with my Buddhist beliefs.”

Before attending DCC, Cox was a student at Virginia Commonwealth University for one year and later worked several jobs.

“Attending VCU was a great opportunity, but it was not the right time for me to go to college,” says Cox. “My grades were alright, but I was not doing my best. Now, I am older and am tired of working dead-end jobs. I told myself that I need to go back to school in order to make the necessary changes.”

She chose DCC because it was close to her Chatham home and the tuition more affordable than a four-year college or university. Cox says she often encourages people to attend a community college first and then transfer to a four-year college or university to finish their degrees.

“If you don’t do well in a community college, then you are not ready for college life on a larger, four-year college or university campus,” says Cox, noting that the community college has a lot to offer. “It is not smart to spend money on expensive tuition when you can take many of the same classes for less at a community college.”

She says the diversity of DCC’s student population surprised her.

“DCC’s campus has a varied spectrum of races and ages,” Cox. explains. “I do not feel like I am the only older person in the classes with the new high school graduates. I fit in and I have not had any problems.”

Of all of the challenges in today’s society, Cox says the plight of poverty stricken children is her first passion. She notes her classes in the Early Childhood Development program are helping her to learn the developing stages of children’s cognitive and physical growth.

“Generally, all children develop the same, across the board,” she says. “The differences occur when children lack nutrients (food), love, and finances. I like this program because students learn to respect infants and toddlers and to provide appropriate activities for growth. Some of these tactics can be used in poverty-stricken, third world countries.”

Martha Tucker, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and Reading, says Cox has found her niche’.

“Sometimes, you have to take a minute and really think about what you want,” Tucker says. “Kristy has been simply outstanding in this program. She seems to be excited with everything she learns and she applies that excitement in her work and her demeanor. She has what it takes to be successful!”

Tucker explains that the Early Childhood Development program is designed for students who plan to work with children from birth to age eight years using developmentally appropriate practices. The program includes courses in child development, behavior management, methods of teaching children, general education and electives. The Liberal Arts-Humanities Specialization program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university and complete a Bachelor’s degree in a humanities or related discipline such as English, philosophy, foreign languages, drama, religion, journalism, communications, education, fine arts, or speech

For now, Cox is determined to reach her goals. However, she says it saddens her to know that changes in society’s approach with children may not occur in her lifetime, but she is still ready to try to make a difference.

“I don’t see a change in my lifetime, but if I can change just one thing or inspire one person to fit one little piece in this huge puzzle, I will be satisfied,” says Cox. “Just one thing might change the difference so a positive change will result, even if the change occurs in 40, 80, or 200 years!”

For more information about the Early Childhood Development program, contact Martha Tucker, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and Reading, at 434.797.6434. For more information on the Liberal Arts – Humanities Specialization, contact Kristin von Karowsky-Nelson, Associate Professor of English, at 434.797-8549.