It’s All about Love

Deborah Barnes loves Tidewater Community College.  So much, in fact, that she intends to run for student government president in their May election. Her first action as president will be to implement a “Love Rally” which will inform and raise awareness about multicultural differences on the TCC Norfolk Campus.

“I attended the National Black Student Leadership Development Conference in Washington D.C. and was empowered to step up and make a difference in my school. I want to start a Love Rally because I think it’s important that everybody appreciates diversity,” says Deborah.

Visiting the General Assembly with the student delegation from TCC’s Norfolk campus, Deborah is stepping up to her role as a student leader, advocating for continued funding for community colleges.

Deborah says that the resources available to her at TCC, such as financial aid, computer labs, tutoring, online help, professor’s office hours and counseling at the Women’s Center, have made the difference in her education. Additionally, the encouragement she received from faculty and staff has pushed her to continue her studies even when the balance between raising a family, work and school became difficult.

“The staff is very talkative and they want to get to know you. The more you talk to one another, the more you learn. I know that I can make an appointment with any of the deans and they will take time to speak to me.  That is one of this school’s best qualities.”

Meeting with Senator Yvonne Miller in the morning, Deborah shares her love for TCC.  Applauding Deborah’s commitment to education and her plans for continuing her education at Norfolk State University, Sen. Miller sees a need for strong female leaders in the world.

“We stand on the shoulders of those before us. I was the first female Senate committee chair and now there are seven women serving as committee chairs in the Senate. One of my platforms is to encourage women to take a leadership role in their community.”

Deborah Barnes is taking Senator Miller’s message to heart and plans to share her love of community college with others.

“TCC’s Norfolk campus is like a family – I just love it.”

Posted by Lauren Von Herbulis