A HANDFUL OF FIRSTS

Dulce Lopez-Jaimes is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who settled in Pender County, to raise their family. She is a firstgeneration high school graduate, a firstgeneration college graduate, and a first-generation firefighter.

Dulce earned two of those firsts simultaneously. She graduated from Pender Early College High School (PECHS) in 2021 with her high school diploma and her associate degree from Cape Fear Community College.

“PECHS and CFCC are a fabulous combination,” shared Dulce. “The faculty is supportive and inspirational. CFCC does an amazing job of preparing students to get where they want to be.”

Exploring Interests

After graduation, Dulce took a gap year to explore other interests. Scrolling through her hometown’s Facebook page, she saw an ad calling for volunteers with Penderlea Fire Department. Without hesitation, Dulce signed up, and at the young age of 18, she took advantage of Penderlea Fire Department training sponsored by CFCC.

CFCC’S EWD Firefighter Academy program is a comprehensive program that includes certification classes in Firefighter, Hazardous Materials, Traffic Incident Management, and Emergency Medical Technician. CFCC also offers non-certification training to prepare firefighters for a career in public safety. Most courses are 60 hours or less.

“I have already earned over nine certifications,” Dulce commented. “I most recently completed the fire control course. That course really challenged me, but I loved every moment of it.”

As much as she loves working at the fire department, she hasn’t lost sight of her primary career goal. In 2022, Dulce transferred her associate degree to Fayetteville State University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Exploring Career Options

While enrolled at PECHS, Dulce was very active in a variety of clubs, student government, and teen court. The teen court was particularly impactful on Dulce.

Acting as the defense attorney for teen defendants, Dulce felt the pull to consider social work as a career choice. She wanted to help those who were struggling, neglected, or felt lost.

“These are real students who have real issues,” Dulce explained. “I realized through my experience in teen court, I could become a social worker. I can help kids early on, guide them, and help them make better decisions before the law gets involved.”

Blending Careers

Dulce would also like to apply her social work skills at the fire department. She envisions herself offering crisis assistance for those who’ve lost their home to a fire.

As an online student at Fayetteville State University, Dulce can continue to work for the local fire department and earn more fire certifications. She is particularly looking forward to turning 21 when she will be eligible to drive a firetruck.

Regardless of which career Dulce focuses on, she credits CFCC with putting her on the right path.

“Attending CFCC is more than just two years of college,” Dulce said. “It’s also the experience and the preparedness that you get. It’s a smaller environment so you get more personal attention. CFCC does a great job at providing resources to help you achieve.”

Spring Firefighter Academy and EMT begins January 2024. Register today!