For more than 60 years, Wake Tech has changed the lives of thousands of people – helped them uncover hidden talents, start bold ventures, realize dreams and, sometimes, do the impossible. 

Each transformation is compelling, each story worth sharing – and Wake Tech students and alumni love sharing them! Take a look at some of their unique and inspiring stories.

She’s Hired!

She’s Hired!

Smitha  Ruddarraju - Class of 2020

“I am so grateful for my work-based learning opportunity and my team at WakeMed. Because of the close relationship between Wake Tech and WakeMed, I was able to learn firsthand the skills and knowledge I need to be successful in a business analytics career.”

Ballet to Biotech

Ballet to Biotech

Elice  McKinley - Class of 2017

"I’ve always loved learning and did well in school, so I loved being back. Having been in dance, a discipline so connected to the body, made learning about anatomy and physiology especially fascinating.”

Sarah Mason

Work-Based Learning Makes It Possible

Sarah Mason - Class of 2021

“Without Work-Based Learning, I wouldn’t have been able to manage full-time work and school – it just wouldn’t have been possible. “I think I’m signed up for lifelong learning at Wake Tech! I definitely enjoy learning.”

Andrew Moreadith photo

A Quick Fix

Andrew Moreadith - Class of 2018

Wake Tech is the reason I got this job and my life has changed because of it!

After five years at a university earning a bachelor’s degree in illustration, Oz Gollmar was burned out and not at all excited about a career in art. “I was honestly glad to be done,” she says. “I tried to tough it out through school, but it wasn’t me. I can’t sit in front of a computer every day.”

A New Creative Outlet

Oz Gollmar  - Class of 2019

"I absolutely believe that Wake Tech has brought out the best in me."

Tisha Temple Photo

Road to Recovery

Tisha Temple - Class of 2020

Don’t look at people where they are -
look at them where they can be.

Leslie Whitehurst - From Patient to Nurse

From Patient to Nurse

Leslie Whitehurst - Class of 2019

Everybody is in nursing school for a reason.

After exploring his options, Osvaldo decided that Wake Tech presented the right opportunities for him. He returned to complete the degree he began years before.

Succeeding in Science

Osvaldo Rodriguez - Class of 2019

“Coming back to Wake Tech, I found that people were open, receptive, and supportive. They told me how to get involved, how to succeed. I feel like I became part of a family, and part of the fabric of the school.”

Turning on the Heat in High School

Turning on the Heat in High School

Chris Mason - Class of 2019

"The first two years were tough, but then everything clicked."

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Building a New Career

Candis Parker - Class of 2013

"I’m in a great career doing what I want to do."

Shanita Dildy-Goings photo

First in a Generation

Shanita Dildy-Goings - Class of 2019

"I wanted to be the first in my generation to graduate!"

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Turning Second Chances into First Rate Successes

Mohammad Lafi - Class of 2019

"Wake Tech provides second chances."

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From National Security to Cyber Security

Ryan Fowler - Class of 2019

"I knew Wake Tech would get me ready for a university."

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Finding a College That Cares

Dominique Lomax - Class of 2019

"Wake Tech really emphasizes getting you into a job"

Achiv'a Sandiford photo

Designing a New Career

Achiv'a Sandiford - Class of 2019

"If it wasn't for Wake Tech and the affordability of the program, I am not sure where I would be".