Staying close to home was important to Hampton resident Iyana Barber when it came time to choose a college. With Virginia Peninsula Community College just a short commute away, Barber found the right fit.
She enrolled at the College in 2024 fresh out of Bethel High School, majoring in Engineering. Her choice for a major was inspired by her love for building things and solving complex problems.
In addition to her studies, Barber is one of five students selected as a Presidential Ambassador for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program allows students to engage in leadership roles by volunteering at events, interacting with the campus community, and receiving valuable mentorship from VPCC leaders. Participants also earn a $1,200 incentive.
As she balances work, school, and other responsibilities, Barber admits she cannot live with her daily planner.
“Planning my day out helps me manage everything,” she stressed.
Barber is proud of pursuing what makes her happy — setting a strong foundation for her future. In the next five years, she plans to graduate from VPCC and continue and continue her engineering studies at Virginia Tech.
Support from her family, especially her parents, has been essential. Barber is also grateful for the encouragement of VPCC’s Mr. (Christopher) Lapointe, an English adjunct faculty member.
For Barber, VPCC is more than a stepping-stone; it’s a community that fuels and empowers her to work hard to pursue her goals.