First-Generation College Student Sets Sights on Beautiful Career

A student at Western Piedmont Community College shared how scholarships enabled her to take one step closer to her dream of opening her own beauty salon.

Chia Lor enjoyed great educational experiences while attending Burke County Public Schools, including the STEAM Academy, which offers activities designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. During her middle and high-school years, she also participated in the Educational Talent Search program. Talent Search is a federally funded program that provides tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and enrichment experiences for potential first-generation college students to encourage them to pursue higher education upon graduating from high school.

“They taught us how to budget and save money for the future, as well as providing an opportunity for students to tour colleges,” Lor said. “It prepared me by expanding my knowledge about colleges in North Carolina. They also frequently checked on me to make sure everything was going smoothly.”

While attending East Burke High School, Lor played soccer, worked for the school’s News Crew and served as president of the International Club.

As she contemplated her future, she realized she would need financial assistance to access higher education once she graduated from EBHS in 2023.

“I was excited to begin a new journey in life, but deep down, I was worried I would trouble my parents by asking them to help pay for my tuition, because I was not going to be able to afford it,” Lor said. “By not receiving financial support, it would have put pressure on me and my parents. My mother is the only one working, because my dad has kidney failure. My parents had already done so much for me, I did not want to bother them. I do not think I would have continued my education so soon. I would have taken a year gap to work and save up enough money before I began my college journey.”

ETS staff helped her fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form so she could determine if she was eligible for grants and scholarships. She was awarded a Burke Education Endowment Program (BEEP) scholarship and a North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, enabling her to enroll at WPCC.

“Both helped me tremendously,” Lor said. “During the first semester, the BEEP scholarship covered about ¾ of my tuition, so I paid the rest out of pocket. I also paid for materials and books needed for the courses I was taking. At that time, I had also purchased a personal laptop with graduation money and my savings, so I had already spent a large amount of money, not to mention I was also paying for my car at the time.”

As a first-generation college student, Lor is working hard to make the most of the opportunities she has found at WPCC. In addition to attending classes, she is treasurer of the college’s World View Club and parliamentarian of the Student Government Council.

“Being a first-generation college student means I have an opportunity to pave the way for my family,” Lor said “It also means I am graduating not only for me, but for my parents too. They have always supported me in school, which encourages me to do my best and put in effort toward all the achievements I am aiming for.”

She reflected on her first year attending WPCC.

“From the students to the faculty, everyone is kind and respectful,” Lor said. “The courses are manageable and not as difficult as I expected. The instructors are lenient and provide a reasonable amount of time for assignments. There is also a good amount of workload; not to the point where someone would be immensely stressed. Student life has been lit up by the mass number of student activities the college has offered this year. I am so excited to see what student life will be like next year.”

After she graduates with an Associate in Arts degree, she plans to transfer to UNC-Charlotte to study business management.

“I am an encouraging leader that strives to serve as a great example for others, and I enjoy making my own schedule, therefore, business management is relevant to me, as I can create my own schedule and serve as a leader,” Lor said. “I would like to open my own beauty shop that will consist of facials, waxing and lash lifts. I would like to expand once my first business turns out successful.”

She emphasized what a difference financial assistance can make to students in need.

“As a student experiences financial difficulties, they are more likely to focus more on how they will afford their tuition and books, rather than directing their attention and effort into their schoolwork,” Lor said. “Therefore, if those students are financially supported by scholarships and grants, it will majorly help them obtain the credits needed to graduate and excel their educational knowledge.

“In addition, there is a large number of first-generation college students with parents who have worked multiple jobs, day and night, to support their children. As a first-generation college student myself, I would like to strip that financial stress from my parents, as they have supported me for 18 years already. I believe many other students can agree, as well. Seeing a loved one struggle encourages the student to work harder than they can handle, causing them to be overworked and exhausted from being a student, worker and loved one. Donating to the Western Piedmont Foundation will benefit students mentally and financially, and encourage them to work harder toward their educational goals.”

To learn more about helping students at WPCC access high-quality education through scholarships and donations, visit the Western Piedmont Foundation website at wpcc.edu/foundation or call 828-448-3123.