WPCC Student Support Services

Our SSS students had the exciting opportunity to tour Western Carolina University, where they explored academic programs, learned more about campus life, and gained insight into what it means to be a Catamount.
The day also included a visit to the beautiful Bardo Arts Center, giving students a closer look at the creative spaces and opportunities available in the arts at WCU.
From touring campus to engaging with new possibilities, our students experienced a day filled with learning, exploration, and inspiring moments. 💜🐾✨

💙Sharing some of our favorite photos from an amazing First Gen Day! ✨
Huge thank you to the WPCC Foundation for making all of this possible — your support helps our first-gen students shine brighter every year.
So grateful for a day filled with pride, connection, and celebration!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support From First to Fierce: First Gen Day! Your energy, pride, and stories made the day unforgettable. Sharing this wonderful article that captured the day perfectly!

WPCC celebrates first-gen students with TRIO National First-Generation College Student Day fell on Nov. 8 this year, highlighting the unique journeys students face when approaching college without family guidance and, sometimes, without their support.

Props out, smiles on! 💙 Our faculty and staff are ready to celebrate First-Gen Day! See you Wednesday from 10 AM to 1 PM in Leviton Auditorium to celebrate from First to Fierce!

First-Gen pride looks good in any costume 🎭💙 Huge thanks to our faculty, staff, and students for showing their support for First-Gen students — and rocking their Halloween looks!
🎓 Celebrate with us on Nov. 5 from 10–1 in Leviton Auditorium — From First to Fierce!

🌟 Guest Speaker Spotlight 🌟

In celebration of First Generation College Student Day, we’re proud to feature our guest speaker Thea Yang sharing what WPCC means to her and reflecting on her journey from student to community leader. 💙

This video was originally created for WPCC’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, and her words continue to inspire as we honor the strength, resilience, and success of our First Gen Pioneers! 💪

🎥 Watch her story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9dPDFhMKfA&t=5s

Disclaimer: Thea previously served a four-year term as a member of the WPCC Board of Trustees. Her term ended in accordance with the term limit established by the North Carolina Legislature.

WPCC 60th Anniversary Celebration-Tea Yang Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

🎓🔥 From First ➡️ to Fierce! 🔥🎓
In celebration of First-Generation College Student Day (November 8th), join TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and success of first-generation college students!

This is a campus-wide and community event — all faculty, staff, students and community members are invited! 🙌

📅 Wednesday, November 5, 2025
📍 Leviton Auditorium

The First Gen Blueprint: Advice from the First
→ Student, Faculty & Staff Panel
🕙 10–11 AM

First Gen Story: From Refugee Roots to Community Leadership
→ Featuring Thea Yang, Values and Culture Director, The Industrial Commons
🕛 12–1 PM

🍩 Enjoy free doughnuts and enter to win one of three giveaways!
Let’s come together to honor our First Gen community and celebrate how we go From First to Fierce! ❤️

✨ College & Career Exploration Highlight ✨

Our SSS students had the exciting opportunity to tour UNC Charlotte, where they explored academic pathways and learned more about campus life.

The day also included a career exploration visit to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the many careers that bring the arts to life.

To cap off the experience, students enjoyed the Broadway production of Wicked, an inspiring performance that showcased the magic, creativity, and dedication behind theater.

It was truly a day of learning, exploration, and unforgettable memories! 💚🎭✨