Bryant finds support, opportunity across MCC campus
Terrick Bryant describes himself as a “busy bee” around Meridian Community College, and during his first year on campus, he has already found support in more places than he can count.
The Meridian native is exploring physical therapy and exercise science while beginning his college career as an undeclared student. His path to MCC started with encouragement from someone who already knew the college well: his grandmother, former MCC employee Ardra Govan.
Bryant said Govan encouraged him to see what MCC had to offer. Once he began learning more about the college, his decision became easier.
“From there, Deborah Nettles and Jimmyia Smith left no doubt for me on where I wanted to be,” Bryant said.
His experience is one MCC is highlighting as part of Careers in Student Affairs Month, a national observance held each October to celebrate the student affairs profession and recognize the employees who help students succeed throughout their college experience.
At MCC, Student Affairs encompasses services ranging from advising and student success to housing, student activities, basic needs, wellness, campus safety and other areas that support students both inside and outside the classroom.
Bryant said those resources have played an important role in his first year.
“To say I’ve received help would be an understatement,” he said. “I would say I have had life-altering blessings.”
In advising, Bryant credits Nettles and Smith with helping point him in the right direction. He also received assistance from MCC Foundation staffer Theresa Hogan during a financial challenge and found additional support through Lowell Martin in the Student Success Center, where Bryant now works under Martin’s supervision.
The number of people who have helped him, Bryant said, is part of what stands out most about his MCC experience.
“Honestly, it is a testament to Meridian Community College that I have received so many blessings that it is too many to name, or I’d be typing a paper,” he said.
Careers in Student Affairs Month provides an opportunity to recognize that kind of work while bringing greater awareness to the student affairs profession. The observance also encourages professional development, discussion about issues affecting students and interest in careers devoted to supporting students in higher education.
For Bryant, the value of that work comes down to the people providing the resources.
“There is a high level of care on campus that cannot be put into words,” Bryant said. “MCC proves to me just about every day that their goal is to help students be successful here, and wherever life takes them.”
That support has helped Bryant begin finding his place at MCC, both as a student and as an active member of the campus community.
“I love MCC,” he said. “There’s no better place in the land for a student to experience college. I’m proud to say that I am finding my wings at MCC.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.