VGCC holds “Boot Camp” for student-athletes
Vance-Granville Community College recently held a “Boot Camp” for student-athletes, consisting of a series of workshops over a two-day period just before the beginning of the fall semester. The primary focus of the camp was on helping each student succeed in academics and in their future careers. VGCC Vanguards and their coaches participated in the boot camp, which was organized by Director of Student Activities and Athletics Jasmine Hightower.
On Aug. 14, the camp kicked off with a presentation by Arlene Ugbaja, director of transfer services at North Carolina Central University. She talked with student-athletes about transferring to the four-year level, and noted that NCCU offers a scholarship specifically for students who transfer from any North Carolina community college.
Special guests on the second day of the boot camp included Twanna Jones, executive director of the Henderson-based charitable organization Area Christians Together in Services (ACTS), and Linda Weaver, who chairs the ACTS board of directors. They discussed possible community service opportunities for students. At VGCC, all student-athletes are required to participate in service projects. Jen Hall of Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina, athletic trainer for the Vanguards, also discussed her role during a boot camp session on Aug. 15.
Other sessions featured discussions on responsible use of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook , time management and classroom etiquette, the Regroup communication system, and a presentation on financial aid and money management skills with VGCC Director of Financial Aid Kali Brown. Dr. Tolokun Omokunde, the coordinator of VGCC’s Male Mentoring Program, discussed teamwork, mentoring and his own experience as a student-athlete. Tim MacNeil, new assistant coordinator for the VGCC Academic Skills Center , discussed study skills and his department’s online and traditional tutoring services. VGCC Director of Career Services Linda Fletcher offered tips on professionalism and job interviews, as well as on the resources offered by the college’s Career Center.
Above: Twanna Jones (left) and Linda Weaver (right), the executive director and board chair of Area Christians Together in Services (ACTS), respectively, speak to VGCC Vanguards student-athletes. (VGCC photo)
