TRANSFORMING STORIES
MOTHER AND DAuGHTER GRADuATE TOGETHER Article and Photography by Rhonda Jessup Kathy Atchison and her oldest daughter, Jessica (Atchison) Roberts, celebrated Mother’s Day early this year. The pair graduated on May 5 with their bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education from Mount Olive College. They attended the College’s Jacksonville, North Carolina location. According to Atchison, “This was no easy feat.” Atchison, the wife of Major James Atchison, Jr., and Roberts, the wife of Corporal Adam Roberts, know what it means to adapt and overcome. Jessica Roberts and Kathy Atchison
Atchison opened a child care center in Jacksonville two years ago and is planning to open a developmental day program for children with special needs. Her degree in Early Childhood Education will become the foundation for the developmental day program.
The idea for the program came after planning for the arrival of the Atchison’s sixth child, Jeremy, who had an unusual chromosomal disorder, Trisomy 18. Atchison, a pediatric registered nurse, realized that there were minimal resources available for children with special needs and none that could manage medically fragile children like Jeremy. Sadly, Jeremy was stillborn but his memory lives on through the work that his mother and sister are doing with the children in Onslow County. In May both mother and daugther proudly walked across the stage to receive their degrees in Early Childhood Education. These degrees will provide the education to make their dreams become realities. Graduation has different meanings for each of them. However, both are thankful for the opportunity that Mount Olive College provided through classes that accommodated their busy schedules. “Jessica and I want to thank everyone that has helped us along the way,” Atchison said. “We are excited about what the future has in store. Neither one of us knew exactly how much our degrees would further us in the field of early childhood education. However, with degrees in hand and a broader vision given to us by the Early Childhood Education program at Mount Olive College, a brighter future is just around the corner!”
AMANDA ROPP IS HARvESTING DREAMS Article by Gianea Bennett | Photography by Matt Stevens Twenty-year-old Amanda Ropp of Newton Grove is no stranger to adversity. She suffered painful injuries in a car accident as a senior in high school, and just five days later dealt with the heartbreaking loss of her father. In the midst of these misfortunes, Ropp made a life changing choice that would lead her on the path to Mount Olive College. “It was in the wake of tragedy that I decided I would make a positive change in myself, to make a positive change in the world. I decided to be a teacher.” Ropp chose Mount Olive College because of its outstanding Agriculture Education curriculum. “Mount Olive College’s Agriculture Education program is so unique in that students leave the program as well-rounded, prepared individuals.” Determined to achieve her goals, Ropp straddled school work with her duties as a state officer of CFFA. Ropp’s disciplined demeanor came in handy. “My friends call me a robot. I don’t sleep! Well, that’s not entirely true…I have a planner, and I wouldn’t be able to function without it!”
Amanda Ropp
On May 5, 2012, Ropp graduated a year early from Mount Olive College, as student body president, head resident assistant, founder of the Society of Crown and Martlet, and treasurer of the Young Farmers and Ranchers, all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. “My experiences here have left me with impeccable leadership skills, the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively, and a network of support in my own personal endeavors.” Ropp credits Mount Olive College with changing her life forever. “How has Mount Olive College NOT transformed my life? Mount Olive College became a fresh start for me. After the ordeal that was my senior year of high school, I needed a place where I could start anew. I was able to do that here.” No matter where life takes her, Ropp will always cherish her time spent as a Trojan at Mount Olive College. “Mount Olive College has been a habitat for my dreams and goals, and this place—a home and a school—will always hold a dear place in my heart.” Ropp plans on using her bachelor’s degree in agriculture education to ultimately earn her doctorate—another goal she will surely accomplish.
19 | TODAY | SUMMER 2012