Tonyea Daley is an instructor for the Engineering Design Technology Program at CCTC and she’s a first-generation student. “The one thing that inspired me to go to college was that I grew up in poverty and wanted something different. I recognized at a young age that I wouldn’t be able to provide stability or financial security without a skill, trade or degree,” says Daley “So, I chose to go to college because one of my favorite teachers used to tell me that ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ This is a quote from Nelson Mandela. At the age of 9, I used to think that if education could change the world, then it could change my life and future.”

Daley is also a graduate of CCTC’s Engineering Design Technology program. “I chose CCTC because of convenience and affordability and I specifically chose Engineering Design because I wanted to develop and innovate new things. CCTC has impacted my life by providing opportunities and teaching me the importance of education and networking,” says Daley. When asked what encouraged her to become an instructor, she says “Honestly, I think having the opportunity to give back to the school that originally helped me is so powerful. I had a great teacher, Richard Lavergne, who once told me and showed me that I have the potential to be more. When I got the opportunity to have the same chance to impact a student’s life as Richard did for me, it was a no-brainer. Now that teacher is my boss. To anyone looking for a new beginning and who doesn’t know where to start, CCTC is the place for you. For anyone interested in creating designs, 3-D printing or wanting to see a glimpse of the engineering world, the Engineering Design Technology program is your next stop!”

CCTC has more than 50 programs of study, affordable tuition, a 91% job placement rate and a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. You don’t have to leave to go far. Become a Titan today!