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Decide to Succeed: Stories

Your defining choice is one that you make every day. It's the choice to work harder than the person next to you, to fight for an ambition that seems impossible, to chase after a goal with persistent determination. Choosing a university is more than just a beautiful location or a degree program, it's about finding a supportive community that recognizes your potential and a program that will help you achieve your future.

Doctor of Physical Therapy students working in the pro-bono clinic

Students Classwork Becomes a Pillar for the Community

On a recent Wednesday evening, patients reviewed their progress since the last clinic before being treated. A cancer survivor with ambulatory challenges was patiently encouraged through a series of exercises, along with plenty of smiles upon completion of each task. Nearby, Swain County resident Delphia Birchfield watched a relative she had transported to the clinic begin his session. 鈥淭his is an answered prayer,鈥� Birchfield said. 鈥淲ithout it, I don鈥檛 know what kind of condition he鈥檇 be in right now, how he could cope. And he looks forward to it. You can see it with his interaction with the students. He鈥檚 treated as an individual, gets a level of attention and has made real progress. This clinic is a blessing.鈥�  

Jennifer Yo Gaddy at Commencement

Jennifer Yo-Gaddy

Jennifer Le鈥橝n Yoe-Gaddy, a graduate student receiving her master鈥檚 degree in social work, was the featured speaker for the 2018 Graduate School Commencement on Friday, May 11. The Weaverville resident spoke to her fellow graduating students about the circuitous route she took in earning her associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees and said she had intended to speak to them about how to persevere in life. 鈥淲e all have our stories,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur stories, and the stories of all the graduates in this room, are certainly all unique, but undoubtedly we share one vital characteristic. We have grit, and it is your possession of this characteristic that is worthy of a sincere congratulations this evening.鈥�