November 2024 Volume 8 Issue 4

Before November 12, the last time I got emotional in a History class – I think the only time I was emotional in a History class – was 9/11. That morning, I went to the library to study.  Around 10:30, I stepped outside.  I lit a Marlboro, enjoyed the sun for a moment, and it registered that something was… off.   

At the moment, I didn’t think much of it.  I smoked my cigarette.  I walked to class. 

Just as I was about to enter the building, someone was exiting and told me that terrorists had flown planes into the Twin Towers.  It was such a foreign thought I didn’t really process it.  But in the building, there was that sense of “off;” there was an emptiness.  It was spooky; that person’s comment echoed back. 

I went to a student lounge with a big screen TV, and there it was: playing on a loop, airplanes flying directly into the Twin Towers.  I just sat there, kind of numb, unable to really process it fully.  I glanced at my watch, realized my class, 19th Century European History, was about to begin, and not knowing what else to do, I went to class.  A few other students were there, a few others straggled in, the professor came in, and just as class was about to begin, classes were canceled.  Suddenly it hit me, the reality, the terror those people must’ve felt, that there would have been young kids on those planes, the sense of hope they might’ve allowed themselves to feel, and then the sense that there wasn’t any hope (I hadn’t even begun to process what was happening inside the buildings). And the tears came; an iceberg I’d been holding for the last 20 minutes flash-melted. 

As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I got emotional in History class on November 12, specifically in David Markwell’s Modern US History class. No need to worry; it wasn’t a full-on waterworks, but just that pressure of tears building up behind the eyes.

It started with a picture of four young soldiers in the Korean war, situated behind a 30-caliber machine gun.  They looked to be barely adults, just like many of the students in that class.  I immediately flashed back to my friend Tim’s dad, who was the principal of my middle school; there, he was Mr. King.  But at his house, he asked me to call him Nate (I was at his house a lot, since Tim and I were best friends).  One time after supper, when Mr. King – Nate – had had a few too many drinks, he showed us the scar on his back from when he had been bayoneted while fighting in the Korean War.  It shocked me as a kid, and it certainly stuck with me, but seeing that picture of those young soldiers, just kids, triggered something. See, when I was a kid and saw that scar, I didn’t picture Mr. King as a young man fighting a war halfway across the world.  I pictured him as a somewhat paunchy middle-aged man, Mr. King.  I didn’t see him as Nate when it happened, when he experienced that, just a kid as young as the students in my classes, even younger. 

But that was just the beginning. As Professor Markwell worked through the material, he started teaching the Civil Rights movement.  And he brought to life the incredible sacrifices people made, like those nine young people being escorted to school in Arkansas by the National Guard while the rhetoric of exclusion, the rhetoric of fear, was rained down on them, like those people arrested – or worse – for not giving up seats on buses, like those people arrested for sitting at a lunch counter.  Just young people, as young as the students in our classes or younger, making sacrifices, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.

I had never thought about how hard it is to teach History. I guess I’d never really thought about the burden the historian carries; the burden of empathy for those people who lost their lives, the families forever changed, but also the burden of context. The burden of understanding how events like 9/11 lead to unexpected change and war and further sacrifice and loss, and how those events fit into the fabric of human history as just one more date immortalizing the cruelty human beings can inflict on one another to try to change things or, probably more commonly, to try to keep things from changing.  

But there’s also the lightening of that burden, the knowledge of the incredible bravery, of dedication, of regular, every-day, people, many just kids as young as the kids in our classes, whose names aren’t immortalized – but whose actions are – in the amalgamation of History. 

How does the history teacher bring that to life for students, many of whom just want to get the class over with, get their grade, get their credit, get on with their life, who don’t realize they are history as it’s happening, that one day 70 years from now students will be learning about the sacrifices they made as the Covid generation, of being part of a generation where people still struggled for equality, and how their generation moved the needle? 

How does the History teacher teach that? How does the History teacher teach so that with luck and knowledge, the mistakes of the past aren’t repeated?  How does the teacher do that in a way that remains politically neutral while still addressing issues of right versus wrong and good versus bad?

These questions are the musings of someone who is getting older and becoming increasingly aware of mortality, someone unlike many of Professor Markwell’s students who are there to move toward the future they are envisioning, not to dwell on the past, who are there to learn History like I was there to learn History when I was their age – give me the info I need and the assignments.  

One of the great things about Professor Markwell‘s class was that it served both of those directions of learning and experience: everything was well organized, an excellent multimedia presentation was used, there was a clear emphasis on achieving course objectives, etc.  It was all there, and Professor Markwell also deftly handled the other things that happen in a class: students “memory-flexing,” confusing memorization with understanding of concepts; comments that weren’t really relevant; comments that absolutely weren’t relevant; all the things that can impact students and take them away from learning.  But there was also the experience of it for those receptive to it. 

Professor Markwell’s students are taught History in a way I believe we all strive to teach, whatever our content area.  

We’re all going to be history. And if future generations are lucky, they will learn about that History from a teacher like David Markwell.

Jaclen Christian
Technical Clerk, Clarksville Campus

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from? *You can also list your favorite thing or things to do here if you want to.

I moved to Clarksville, TN due to my father’s duty station at Campbell many years ago. I am from Fort Smith, Arkansas, but my favorite thing to do in Nashville is eat and celebrate or get away with the various options Nashville provides.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

Starting off as a student seeking a nursing degree, I was later employed by the Federal Work study program, to an interim and later getting a full-time position.

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why? *You aren’t limited to these birds. If you would like to be a different bird, that is fine.

Here at NSCC I proudly represent the Falcon. However, in my personal life and being true to myself I would want to be accepted with the red-tailed hawks.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

Many students hesitate to ask questions or seek help due to the fear of being judged, often because they feel unsupported or not welcomed. However, all they may need is a little encouragement and guidance, a little support to thrive.

Can you briefly describe an experience with a co-worker or student that made you feel like the hard work that you put in here was worth it and maybe you made a positive difference in someone’s world?

Helping students from their initial call, visit, or first day to the moment they walk across the stage is everything to me—it’s a journey filled with grace, excitement, and overwhelming joy that fills the halls on graduation day, because they accomplished something they fought so hard for.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

I am proud to balance my education while working full-time, supporting my children as aspiring athletes, and being a dedicated wife.

If you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

Jaclen, feeling lost or unsure is acceptable. You’re right where you should be. Every step of your journey—even the ones that seem like setbacks—is bringing you closer to your goal, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. Remember, you gain growth from your mistakes, setbacks, and difficult times rather than defined by them. Although, you had no idea what was ahead, you have already demonstrated your strength, because you took the first step. Continue to have faith that your path will be yours when it naturally develops. You’re learning, developing, and getting ready for something greater—you’re not falling behind. Remind yourself why you started when you feel like giving up. Even when people are unable to realize their own potential, you possess a special ability to help them see it. When it’s your turn to tread the difficult path, the challenges you encounter today will give you the strength and insight to encourage others. You are here for other people as well as for yourself. You’ll be the one to encourage others to keep going when it seems impossible. Treat yourself with kindness. You don’t have to know everything right now. Continue moving forward and have faith that when you look back, you will see that everything, both the good and the bad, contributed to your strength to assist others. It is okay to change paths as long as you finish with an open mind that you will do greater things.

Finally, in this season of turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?

I will always be thankful for the obstacles that I have faced, which have made me the person I am today. I can be myself with the power to accept that some people will love me and others will hate me but it doesn’t bother me. Most of all I am grateful for my faith, family and determination that keeps me grounded and guided for better and/or new things coming my way. 

Jacob Ludden
Computer Technician, White Bridge Road Campus

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from?

I moved here because I was staying with my parents while going to school in Louisiana and my step-mom got a job, teaching at NSCC so I just went with them.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

I was working in a computer repair store and wasn’t getting much satisfaction out of it, so I started looking for another job and saw the Helpdesk was hiring. I was a former student at NSCC so I thought it would be a change with a hint of familiarity.

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why? *You aren’t limited to these birds. If you would like to be a different bird, that is fine.

I’d have to say an owl. Not for the symbols of wisdom, I’ve just always been a night owl. Plus, I am scared of heights and they don’t fly high for very long.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

Balancing it all. Will Plunk put it to me this way. NSCC is the no nonsense school. A lot of students are here to learn while they work full time, and I know how tough it can be to keep it all together.

Can you briefly describe an experience with a co-worker or student that made you feel like the hard work that you put in here was worth it and maybe you made a positive difference in someone’s world?

Just the many “eureka!” looks on some faces when Sam Stringfellow or I help them find the answer to their question, whether its IT related or not. I hate to brag but it happens often.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

I’m a proud dad. I think being a dad to my son has been the most important thing I have done with my life. He is wise beyond his years and I like to think it’s from my preaching to him about being a man of understanding. (*Editors note: Jacob and his wife recently expanded their family. Jacob is pictured sharing a sweet moment with his newborn little girl).

If you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

You CAN get those certifications; headaches now will turn into happiness later.

Finally, in this season of turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?

My wife, she has been a pillar of strength in my life. Through her I found God, and she’s blessed me with 2 awesome babies. What more could a man need?

Rebekah Witemeyer
Student Services Specialist I, Southeast-Antioch Campus

If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?

I was born and raised just outside of Nashville.  It’s hard to choose just one favorite thing to do, but I would probably say visiting the Nashville Symphony.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

I previously worked at MTSU for about two and a half years while finishing my undergrad studies.  I knew I wanted to continue to work in student affairs, and NSCC seemed like a great fit, especially since I started at a community college myself. 

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why? *You aren’t limited to these birds. If you would like to be a different bird, that is fine. 😊

If I could be any kind of bird, I would probably be a parakeet, simply because I like parakeets and I own two of them.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

I can really empathize with our students in the application process because I was a first-generation college student, and I know how much anxiety there can be around the different requirements and processes to be admitted, take placement tests, get financial aid, etc.

Can you briefly describe an experience with a co-worker or student that made you feel like the hard work that you put in here was worth it and maybe you made a positive difference in someone’s world?

Anytime I get something small like a thank you email or somebody stopping by the office after class to check in it really makes my day because I get to see our students succeeding.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing? Maybe you published a book, created an artwork or artworks, grew some bodacious tomatoes, or drove home between 3-6pm without having any bad thoughts or saying bad words about the other drivers. Everyone has at least one thing they can be proud of, so if you don’t mind sharing, please do.

I started my Master’s program this fall, and I am proud of myself for really staying on top of my assignments and staying motivated to accomplish my goals!

If you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

I think I would remind myself that nobody is an expert at anything when they first start out, so it’s okay to still be learning!

Finally, in this season of turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?

I am thankful to have coworkers who keep the office filled with encouragement and entertainment!

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all that we have, and share with those who may be in need.  Because we did see a need, the Dickson and Humphreys County Campuses held a food drive to provide Thanksgiving meals for our students who are in need.

With the generosity of students, staff, faculty, Dickson’s Walmart and Waverly’s Chappell’s Hometown Foods, we were able to provide a food basket to 10 families that will allow them to prepare a complete Thanksgiving meal, to include homemade pies.  Each recipient received a 10+ pound turkey, along with all the ingredients for the side dishes. 

To remain true to the giving spirit during this time of year, the food drive kick off was held in conjunction with a blood drive to support our local communities of Dickson and Humphreys counties.  We had close to 20 students, staff, faculty and local citizens participate in the blood drive.

We are thankful for the communities we serve and our campuses were honored to be able to give back to them in some small way. 

Sarah McNeil
NSCC student

Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?

Yes, Born and raised in Panama City, FL. Lived in Colorado Springs, CO. Lived in Akron, OH. And now here in Nashville, TN.

Why is getting a college education important to you?

So I can have a career I enjoy and be able to live comfortably.

Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?

 I was told by my coworkers that it was a great school and a great program for my degree.

What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?

Working full time and comprehending the information.

What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?

 To have the career I want and not be stuck in the job position I’m in. I finally get to go back to school and I don’t have to pay for it.

Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.

 I am doing well in my classes and the instructors are great!

If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?

 Find a cheaper place to live to save money, be able to afford the gas to and from school, be able to afford to take off from work to finish school.

What is something in your life that you are very thankful for?

A roof over my head, food on the table, a job, transportation, and my family.

Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?

I would have to say Ronnie Milsap is one of my favorite musicians and one of my favorite movies would be Champions.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?

I have had 7 pets; a bunny rabbit, 5 dogs, and a dwarf hamster.

Alex Wark
NSCC Student

Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?

I was born in Columbus, Ga, lived in Atlanta for 2 years and did a two-year internship where I was a media intern at a church in Oklahoma City, Ok

If you have moved to Nashville from somewhere else, what circumstances brought you to Nashville?

My mom’s old job was closing down and we made the migration to Nashville for her new one.

Why is getting a college education important to you?

Better opportunities and flesh out my skill level in photography and videography

Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?

TN Reconnect Program and courses that interested me

What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?

I started last semester still working about 7 different jobs and now just around 3 different jobs.

What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?

Same thing that keeps me working out every single day. The Anterior Cingulate Cortex that increases in size when you do the things you don’t want to do. My mentor always said the quote “Eat the frog.” Meaning, do the hard things so that all the easy stuff falls in line. Typically, on the other side of difficulty are all the rewards.

Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.

Networking with other creatives.

If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?

I’m kind of weird in that there isn’t anything that I want, even if there’s stuff that I could use. Gifts are not my love language and I don’t care much for things I didn’t earn myself.

Have you made any new friends while taking classes at Nashville State? If you have, what do you have in common with each other outside of the classroom?

Quite a few people are film fans like I am, since I have about 12-15 different stories I want to write and direct one day, it’s something I study extensively.

Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?

Band: August Burns Red, Bullet for my Valentine, Rage Against The Machine, Tool

Movies: Anything Christopher Nolan (Inception, Interstellar, Tenet)

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?

Not much to say. I plan on publishing my first novel that sits around 227k words and will be either a 3 or 9 part series depending on the direction I take the books. I also write poetry as a hobby and want to publish a book of what I’ve written. Otherwise, Hollywood and directing/writing are the only thing I plan on accomplishing.

Lee’Chell Wilbourn
NSCC student

Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?

I was born in South Bend, IN. I’ve lived in Indianapolis, IN. Then moved to Smyrna, TN and other surrounding areas (Murfreesboro, TN and currently Gallatin, TN). I have also resided in Huntsville, AL.

If you have moved to Nashville from somewhere else, what circumstances brought you to Nashville?

I was young and living with a single mother who decided to start over. I lived in Murfreesboro upon approaching my senior year in undergrad. I lived in Huntsville, AL as I was earning my master’s degree, and I live in Gallatin, TN currently because I like the area.

Why is getting a college education important to you?

I watched my mother struggle, and I feel there is so much more to life than struggle. Most importantly because of my faith and following the passion God has placed on my heart. With that, I have had experiences because of my health.

Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?

The classes are affordable, they offer payment plans, and they offer night classes.

What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?

I work two jobs, and I am often tired when I get home.

What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?

I see what I am working towards, and I have faith that I am capable of achieving it. I see how God is moving in my life, and I have faith that he will see it through because it is a desire he placed in my heart.

Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.

This is my last semester, and a scholarship was given to me unbeknownst. At the time I needed the money I had to use to pay my tuition. The institution applied for a scholarship that covered the rest of my tuition, and I had not applied for one. That day I took that money and bought groceries and house supplies.

If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?

A network of connections, a professor who would mentor, and more financial resources.

Have you made any new friends while taking classes at Nashville State? If you have, what do you have in common with each other outside of the classroom?

I have and we happened to be a part of the same sorority. Also, another that I met was working toward medical school, as I am.

Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite TV show is SWAT. My favorite movie is The Photograph. My favorite musicians (I have a few): Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Usher for secular music. William Murphy for Christian music.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?

I plan to become a doctor and operate my private practice. I would also like to serve the community by providing free basic healthcare and treatment to underserved communities.

Jas Winfrey-Horton
NSCC Student

Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?

No, I‘ve lived in Nashville all my life.

Why is getting a college education important to you?

Getting a college degree is important to me because I am striving to break a generational “curse” and be the first to graduate from college and further my life to more than getting by.

Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?

Taking classes was the most-smartest thing for me financially, so that is why I chose to come here.

What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?

One thing that makes it hard is my attention span to classes that has nothing to do with my career interest. Another thing that makes it hard is the small amount of me for a course to learn so much.

What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are red? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?

 Like said previously, I strive to be the first in the family to further myself beyond the “bare minimum”. I tell myself to keep going and to know that it will all be worth it at the end.

Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.

One good experience I’ve had here was the career fair on the yard to search around for divergent career interest. Another experience I’ve had that was good was the professors. My professors are so eager about their work and it never feels like a dull moment to where it feels they don’t want to teach.

If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?

Right now, I would wish for my own transportation so I could actually get to class on time, I would ask for a real mentor who could help me on every subject, and lastly I would ask for a dormitory to get away from home.

What is something in your life that you are very thankful for?

 I am very thankful for God. I know people may not be spiritual but the reason I chose to major in health science was to learn about God’s creation and everything just comes together like a puzzle. God is the center of my life and completes me and I would give up everything to be close to him. So, I am very thankful.

Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite musician is Musiq SoulChild. My favorite TV show is The Walking Dead. The Walking Dead Universe by itself is OC. My favorite movie is Princess and the Frog.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?

My plan for the future is work in the medical field. I don’t care where, but somewhere. I just want to help people in a way they can’t help themselves. Also, I plan to build my family and me a family compound and have my own farm.

With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas and New Year’s following close behind, this time of year brings both the excitement of holiday festivities and the busy final stretch of the semester. Finals and project deadlines can feel ambitious, but it’s an exciting time for the Nashville State family.

In that spirit, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education continues to serve community and trainee needs across various sectors and specialties. This month, we’re spotlighting Healthcare, and I’m excited to share that our 10th Medical Assistant Cohort in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is set to wrap on December 19th. Since this program’s inception, we’ve provided hands-on training and direct employment opportunities to 150 students, with over 85% of those students continuing to work at VUMC. Moreover, every certification-eligible trainee has passed the National Healthcare Association’s (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam as of November 18, 2024. We’re looking forward to launching our 11th cohort on January 21, 2025, and continuing this impactful program in the upcoming year.

In other partnership news, our inaugural Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP) with Tennessee Oncology (TNO) is reaching the halfway mark, with the program set to conclude in early February. Our students will embark on their clinical rotations in January and prepare for their certification exams soon after.

Additionally, TNO’s second CCMA Professional Development course wrapped late this past summer. Most students have already passed their certification exams, achieving an impressive 85.71% first-time certification pass rate and an 86.36% overall certification rate, well above the national average of 78%. We’re incredibly proud of our students’ commitment to personal and professional development.

Alongside celebrating our Healthcare student accomplishments, our department is thrilled to welcome three new team members, effective November 18, 2024.

• Breanna Butler, Recruiter/Completion Advisor (Ready to Reconnect)
• Sherri Barnhart, Recruiter/Completion Advisor (Ready to Reconnect)
• Aimee Irvine, Allied Health Educator

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue supporting local workforce needs and bring some exciting new projects to fruition in the first quarter of 2025.

Warm wishes to all, from the Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education