RCC Alumni, Employee, Grateful for Support
Tracy Peacock stood outside the doors of the King George campus of RCC, a mix of nostalgia and gratitude washing over her. It was 2019, and she had just completed her Associate of Science degree, a journey that had begun two years earlier in the phlebotomy program. As she reflected on her time there, she couldn’t help but recall the challenges she faced along the way.
“I chose RCC because it was conveniently located in my home county, affordable, and had a small, family-like atmosphere,” Tracy shared. “Having a campus in King George was essential to my success. I literally did not know what I wanted to go back to school for. I needed something affordable, a quick career path to help me be financially independent. Terry answered all my questions and suggested the phlebotomy career studies certificate.”
But the road wasn’t easy. In 2017, she was couch surfing with her two children, having escaped an abusive marriage in another state. “My biggest challenges were finding a stable place to stay and completing my program financially,” she admitted. Yet, it was amidst this turmoil that she discovered a supportive community at RCC.
“The staff were incredibly kind, even without knowing my personal struggles,” Tracy remembered. “From registration to the instructors, everyone was there for me.” One person stood out: Terry Abell, site supervisor and navigator at King George, who not only guided her toward the phlebotomy career studies certificate but also made her feel heard. “Terry listened to me and suggested something that checked all my boxes. It was as if she sensed my struggles, even though I hadn’t shared them with her.”
Tracy became close friends with several faculty members, including Professors Green and Olsen, and Karen Turner. “Terry encouraged me to finish my associate degree in Business, and Karen pushed me to apply for positions within RCC. That’s how I found my happy place working in Admissions and Records (A&R),” she said.
During her studies, she also participated in extracurricular activities, showcasing her skills at a community resource fair alongside her phlebotomy classmates. “We passed out information and answered questions,” she recalled. “It felt good to give back.”
As Tracy transferred to another school after RCC, she noted how seamless the process was. “It made me appreciate how well RCC prepared me for the next step,” she reflected. Tracy has a simple message for anyone considering RCC, “Come in person and feel the family atmosphere. Everyone truly cares about your success, both academically and personally.”
Tracy understands the vital role RCC plays in the community. “I absolutely love the Squall Stall food pantry,” Tracy said. “If I had that resource when I started, it would have made a world of difference for my children.”
Reflecting on her journey, Tracy has immense gratitude toward those who had supported her. “I want to thank Terry and Karen for changing my life for the better,” she said. “You have no idea what a kind word can do for someone struggling. Just remember, every interaction counts. We’re not just offering skills for future workers; we’re enriching our local community,” she explained. “By providing options for students to stay here, we make a real impact.”
“To everyone else, be that person who takes a few extra moments to encourage, support, and care for students, and coworkers around you. You have no idea what people are going through. Just a smile or a kind word can make all the difference. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for RCC! I am truly blessed! If you’re wondering if you make a difference or feel like you’re just paper shuffling just remember that someone in A&R I never met enrolled me in classes. Someone in advising made sure I was on the right track. Someone was cleaning the bathrooms I used to cry in wondering where my next meal was coming from or if my children and I were going to have to sleep on a new couch that night. You may not ever meet these students, but your jobs and contributions to RCC make it possible for them to move up and beyond! Keep up the great work and as many of you who know me, I like to end my conversations with ‘Have a joyful day!’”