How does a laid off textile worker become an Assistant Director of Information Technology at SCC? "People will find it almost impossible to understand the difference Surry Community College has made in my life."

When the local textile plant closed because manufacturing jobs were being sent offshore, Rhonda Hazelwood thought her world had ended. How would she provide for her family? She attended a plant meeting held with representatives from Surry Community College that shared information about opportunities and choices available through the college's displaced worker program. Rhonda decided to go for it, and entered the Information Systems program. While working toward her Associate's Degree, she was offered an opportunity to work as a co-op student for the IT and Computer Services Department at SCC. This on-the-job training and experience helped her turn this co-op into a full-time position as a PC technician after graduation. Rhonda has continued to grow in her career and to expand her education. She has earned her Bachelor's degree and is working toward her Master's in Information Technology, and now serves as Assistant Director for IT and Computer Services at Surry Community College.

When things seemed hopeless, Rhonda, with the help of Surry Community College, believed in herself and took the necessary steps to make what looked like the end into a new beginning. When asked what lesson she could share from her experiences, she said a quote from Olympic Gold Medal Skater, Scott Hamilton became her motto - "The only disability in life is a bad attitude."

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