SIMPLE GIFTS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT NAYELY PACHECO GAINS HANDS-ON CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE WHILE PREPARING FOR A FUTURE CAREER IN EDUCATION
This summer, James Sprunt Community College partnered with Anonymous Trust through its Simple Gifts Scholarship Program to provide scholarship recipient Nayely Pacheco with a hands-on internship experience under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Justus, Career and College Readiness Instructor.
The Simple Gifts Scholarship supports students attending out-of-state liberal arts colleges by providing financial assistance and connecting recipients with internship opportunities aligned with their educational and career goals. Through the partnership, Pacheco gained valuable classroom experience to help prepare her for a future career in education.
Margret Turlington of Anonymous Trust said her first impression of James Sprunt Community College was one of collaboration and a genuine commitment to student success.
Having an intern can certainly add more work to employees, but if you want students to grow, you have to give them opportunities,” said Turlington. “I saw that value with James Sprunt, and I knew Nayely would be a great fit.”
A graduate of Sampson Early College High School, Pacheco earned a full-ride Simple Gifts Scholarship during her senior year. She is currently entering her sophomore year at Presbyterian College in South Carolina, where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education with the goal of teaching second grade.
During her internship at James Sprunt, Pacheco assisted in the computer lab for the GEARS (Giving Everyone A Role in Society) program. As the internship progressed, she took on additional responsibilities, including teaching lessons and helping manage the classroom environment, giving her practical experience before entering the teaching profession.
“I am going into my sophomore year at Presbyterian, and I want to teach elementary school, particularly second grade,” said Pacheco. “I have enjoyed my time at James Sprunt because everyone was so friendly and helpful to the students.”
For Dr. Jennifer Justus, the internship represented an opportunity to help cultivate the next generation of educators.
The first year of teaching can be incredibly challenging,” said Justus. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with Anonymous Trust to give Nayely meaningful classroom experience where she can build confidence, develop her teaching skills, and learn through real-world practice. Providing opportunities like this is one of the best ways we can support future educators.”
Turlington takes great pride in mentoring the students who receive support through Anonymous Trust and values the opportunity to watch them grow both personally and professionally.
Nayely has a heart for children,” Turlington said. “She is a quiet but mighty young lady. She takes in everything around her and learns from it. While many people simply listen and react, Nayely takes time to reflect, consider her actions, and grow from every experience.”
James Sprunt Community College is honored to partner with Anonymous Trust to provide emerging professionals with career-focused learning experiences while strengthening connections between education and the workforce.
