Angelita Bease was starting a new life when she moved to Suffolk from Maryland. She had decided to enroll in college. However, as she began considering schools outside of the city, a friend told her about Paul D. Camp Community College.

“I don’t believe I could have chosen a better place,” she said. “This is where I belong.”

Bease, 41, is the recipient of the 40/7 Society Scholarship for the fall 2014 semester at PDCCC.

The 40/7 Society Scholarship was created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the college and the inauguration of its seventh president. Community members and local businesses invested $407 each to create an endowed scholarship for a non-traditional student
Working full-time, taking a maximum load of classes at times, supporting her daughter and two grandchildren, while trying to get a taxi/medical transport business off the ground, Bease found the strength to persevere.

“The ambition was coming from somewhere,” she said. “But I‘ve always had confidence in the goals I set for myself, because I take my time, weighing what’s realistic and unrealistic about them.”

Bease graduated from James H. Groves Adult High School in Georgetown, Del., at the age of 33.

She has been the recipient of a number of scholarships since enrolling at the college, and is in the Students Transitioning through Education Programs Successfully program at PDCCC, which helps students achieve their personal, academic and career goals.

She earned a Career Studies Certificate in phlebotomy in May 2014 and, as an LPN, was accepted into the nursing program at PDCCC.

“It just didn’t pan out to be right for me,” Bease said. “You’ve got to be motivated by what you want to do in life.” After careful consideration, she changed her major.

She will graduate with a general studies degree in May 2015 and is the first in her family to attend college and receive a degree. She plans to transfer to Norfolk State University’s School of Social Work to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“It was meant to be,” she said of her new focus on social work. “I love to help people through their journeys, and I have a passion and drive to see others succeed. I want to be that coach for youth,” she said.

She served as a 2013-14 Presidential Student Ambassador, and is a member of the FUEL and Science clubs. In addition, Bease is a registered medication aide at Hillcrest Retirement Center.

She credits staff, faculty, students and the STEPS Program at PDCCC for leading the way. “I’ve utilized steps from different programs during the college experience, and developed skills and techniques that have helped me enhance the goals in my personal life,” she said.