Cierra Spence: Being your Biggest Supporter!
Spotlight on G3 Scholars
by Ambria Ingram
Reynolds Community College prides itself on being the college "Where Outstanding Careers Get Started!" According to Cierra Spence, Reynolds is also where students can continue their education despite hardships.
"You have to be your biggest supporter. It's not going to be easy going back to school, but everything will work out in the end," says Reynolds student Cierra Spence.
Born at Virginia Medical College, Cierra was raised in low-income housing in Fairfield Court in Richmond and graduated from Reynolds with her Practical Nursing Certificate. Her degree helped her obtain jobs as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a role she has served in for six years with a healthcare agency.
Cierra loves working as a CNA and is proud of herself for earning a Practical Nursing Certificate and providing in-home care. However, she decided to further her education to advance in her career.
She recently returned to Reynolds to pursue her Nursing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and follow her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Cierra plans to graduate in December 2022 and hopes to work one day in the NICU, Emergency Room, Psychiatric Department, or Kidney and Dialysis Unit.
"I'm very grateful for my flexible work schedule, which allows me to attend classes while working as a CNA," says Cierra. "I'm also grateful that Reynolds is a convenient drive from my house and that the tuition rates are affordable. Reynolds feels like home and is the right place for me because it embraces different cultures and backgrounds."
Recently, Cierra received grant funding from the G3 program, a tuition assistance initiative that supports students pursuing high-demand careers.
"The G3 program was such a big relief for me," says Cierra. "My family and I don’t make a lot of money, and we receive some social services. Last year, I didn’t work because I had a baby. I really appreciate this funding—I didn’t know how I was going to pay for college."
Despite the challenges of managing her time between working part-time as a CNA and being a full-time student, Cierra is optimistic. She plans to improve her study habits by organizing her schedule and setting aside specific times to review her nursing materials.
Cierra believes that adult learners can succeed in returning to school, and she shares this advice: "Go for it. It’s not going to be easy, but I take one day at a time. I do my research before committing to a school. I find the resources at the college and ask questions of the faculty and professors. If you feel like it’s not the right school for you, it probably isn’t. Research your college options first."
She also expresses deep gratitude for the Reynolds Nursing Program:
"I'm grateful that I get to experience college. I'm grateful that I got into the Reynolds Nursing Program. College is not easy, but I’m thankful for the opportunity. Some people apply and don’t get in, so I’m truly appreciative that I can continue my education."
Fun Facts About Cierra: She has two sisters and one brother on her mother's side, and they are all very close. Cierra is the oldest sibling. Both of her parents are living, and she is their first child. She enjoys going out for lunch, playing games, spending time with her kids, reading books, walking on sunny days, being with family, and watching TikTok videos during school breaks.