Alumni Spotlight: A Head Start to Success at Rappahannock Community College
For many students, the path to higher education is filled with choices and challenges. For Madysen Davis, attending Rappahannock Community College (RCC) was a decision that set the stage for an accelerated and rewarding academic journey.
Choosing Community College First
At just 14 years old and attending Middlesex High School, Madysen had the opportunity to attend the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, where she took dual enrollment courses through RCC. By the time she graduated from high school in 2022, she had already earned an associate degree in arts and sciences, a STEM at Work certificate, and a general education credential. "Taking community college courses early allowed me to further my educational career much faster than I would have if I had waited until I had graduated high school," she shared. "I knew that I wanted to get ahead, and choosing to do community college first allowed me to do so."
"I was scared that I was too young for community college and that my age would limit me," she admitted. However, with support from her peers and instructors, those fears faded. Financial concerns also posed a challenge, but thanks to scholarships, she was able to continue her education without debt and stress.
Finding Community at RCC
One of the most impactful aspects of their time at RCC was the sense of community she experienced. "Before Governor’s School classes began in the morning, we met in the student lounge to play ping-pong or chat. It truly felt like a community since we were there together, supporting one another."
Breaking Myths About Community College
One common misconception about community colleges is that they offer a lower-quality education compared to four-year universities. Madysen challenges this notion: "Some of the community college courses I have taken have been more rigorous than courses I have taken at the University of Virginia. RCC provided me with an exceptional education."
RCC provided the foundation for a remarkable academic journey. After high school Madysen attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and then completed the Pharmacy Technician Program through the U.S. Career Institute. She recently passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.
During the fall of 2024, Madysen finished taking the remaining prerequisites for pharmacy school, is now earning an associate degree in business administration and an associate degree in social work/psychology and the Health-STEM certificate. She began Pharmacy school at VCU this summer to work on a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Business Administration. The diverse coursework offered at RCC helped shape her long-term goal: to own a pharmacy and work directly with patients to provide the best care possible.
"By taking courses through RCC before attending UVA, I felt very prepared because I knew what was expected of me as a student. RCC helped me develop essential skills such as time management, self-discipline, and effective study methods, which made the transition much easier,” she said.
Words of Advice
For those considering community college, Madysen offers simple yet powerful advice, "Take the opportunity. Enrolling in community college will lessen the financial burden you may face and will provide you with a solid foundation before attending a four-year university. RCC played a crucial role in my educational career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it."