Student Spotlight: Andrea Ryder

Fourteen years after graduating from Buffalo Gap High School, Andrea Ryder was determined to go back to school and earn her degree at Blue Ridge Community College.

“I decided to enroll at Blue Ridge because of the fact that it is a community college,” she said. “I chose BRCC because of its blended ages of students. I also liked the choice of either in-person or online classes, and that it was close to me,” Andrea explained.

She knew from experiences in the workforce that she wanted to enroll in the human services program, and definitely wanted to work closely with people. She also knew she wanted to specialize in substance abuse counseling. “The main reason I chose this program is because I’ve seen first-hand what damages addiction can cause, but I’ve also seen how sobriety is achievable,” she said. “I want to do my part in helping our community and make a difference in someone’s life.”

During her time at BRCC, she took substance abuse classes and also earned her Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A) credential.

Like most BRCC students, Andrea works in addition to taking classes. Currently, Andrea is the Child Care Program Director for the Staunton-Augusta YMCA where she is in her second year of managing the after school program, and her third year of planning their summer camp program for elementary school students.

Andrea is a member of BRCC’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society and will graduate this May. After graduation she plans to work at an addiction treatment center as a substance abuse counselor.

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Blue Ridge Community College is doing everything we can to keep our students on track with their educational plans, and the Foundation is vital to helping make that possible. By investing in the Blue Ridge Fund now, you give the Foundation the flexibility to respond to the College’s needs in a timely and effective manner. To make a gift, please use the enclosed envelope, or scan the QR code. Thank you for your continued support!