With a bright future in sight, Brooke Diggs turned to Virginia Peninsula Community College as the springboard for reaching her college transfer goals. Enrolling in fall 2023, she discovered an enriching student experience that opened doors to valuable leadership opportunities.
The Poquoson High School graduate is one of five students serving as a Presidential Ambassador for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program not only lets her engage with the College community through volunteering at events but also exposes her to mentors from VPCC’s leadership team—all while providing a $1,200 incentive.
Diggs is a Science major and works as a pharmacy technician. She saw VPCC as the most affordable path to complete the courses she needed for transfer. Here’s a glimpse into her journey and reflections on her student experience so far.
What inspired you to attend VPCC?
Many four-year institutions in Virginia are transfer-friendly to students from VCCS schools.
What is your five-year plan?
I hope I would have graduated with my bachelor’s degree in biology from Virginia Commonwealth University and would have applied for the (VCU) School of Pharmacy in fall 2027 to get my PharmD. Another goal I have is to continue my job as a pharmacy technician while gaining volunteer experience in other fields.
How do you balance your schedule given the various job and other responsibilities?
I work as a pharmacy technician, and they are very supportive of my education and career goals. They hope for me to succeed, and I tell them when I need time off for my schooling or volunteering.
Do you participate in clubs or activities at the College or in your community?
At VPPC, I am involved in TRiO, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Student Ambassador program. I am also
starting volunteer work at the Virginia Living Museum.
Of what accomplishments are you most proud as you further your education? I am proud of my success in my courses at VPCC so far. My biggest accomplishment yet was my internship that was offered to a select few community colleges, VPCC being one of them, that allowed me to travel to VCU for 10 weeks to gain research experience and create a research poster.
Are there any VPCC faculty or staff members who have inspired you?
Mrs. (Michelle) Manfred has been my biggest help in allowing me to serve at VPCC and becoming a Presidential Ambassador. I also want to shout out Dr. (Jennifer) Martin and (Professor Kimberly) Zahn for helping me in my acceptance to the Bridges (to the Baccalaureate) program at VCU.
Do you want to mention family members for their support?
My parents and my sister, Holli, are my biggest supporters. Thank you to my Nana, mom-mom, and pop-pop for always being there at all of my school events and I would not be here without them.