To Brittany Woolridge, Great Expectations is not just the title of a novel by Charles Dickens. It’s the name of a Brightpoint program that has supported her on the way to “where God placed me to be,” she says. “Helping others, whether adults or kids, I feel like that’s where I’m supposed to be.”

Since age seven, Saamiya Mohammed has been a busy baker. Two years ago, she got serious about her sweet skills and established a business. Known as “the cake girl” around campus, the business administration major somehow makes time to go all-in on the student experience.

When Dana Legere started at Brightpoint, she couldn’t conceive how far her college connections would take her. Before transferring to James Madison University, Brightpoint’s 2018 Trailblazer of the Year amassed a sterling leadership résumé — including Student Government Association president, Governor’s Task Force delegate and General Assembly representative — which led to a niche role with a government consulting firm that merges her passions for science and politics.

Jason Taylor, an Air Force veteran and a single father, cashed in his GI Bill at Brightpoint to grow his real estate business and be a role model for his 3-year-old son.

Through her involvement in our campus community, Erica Mokun discovered her passion for illuminating other people's stories through journalism.

The connections Geovany Chavarria made at the college helped him reimagine what was possible for his future and include a bachelors degree in his career plan.

Two weeks after enrolling at the college to become a social worker, Yvonka Weaver was diagnosed with 3 brain aneurysms. She persevered through her health challenges, and with her college support network, completed her degree and transferred to VCU.

After a NASA internship, leading campus groups, and earning her associate degree in engineering at the college, Alex Ritchie is completing her bachelor's degree at VCU and winning awards for her research.

Gervyn Fajardo Franco always loved science, but growing up in Guatemala caring for his quadriplegic father, a career in medicine seemed far out of reach. The college made it feel possible again.

After high school, Renato Arenas took a job as a mechanic because he didn't think he could afford college. But he wasn't happy, so he secured financial aid to start his education at Brightpoint. Now, he's a global IT analyst, helping companies with IT regulations and compliance.