It wasn't long ago that Apollo Bobier was a 16-year-old high school dropout, living out of his car. A full-time job at a fast-food restaurant helped turn his life around. He found an apartment, earned his high school diploma through Wake County's online Score Academy and enrolled at Wake Tech.

"I was glad to get my life back on track," he said.

But succeeding at Wake Tech would prove difficult. Bobier needed help overcoming academic and mental health challenges but was afraid to ask. He dropped out in his first semester. He started again and dropped out again. In fact, he had three "first semesters" before finally connecting with the support he needed.

"One of my professors offered us extra credit if we went to the TLC (Tutoring and Learning Center)," he said. "So, I reluctantly went one time and realized the tutors were really nice and helpful. I ended up going back several times and got tips that helped with my assignments."

Bobier says the tutoring he received at the TLC helped him thrive academically. He also sought assistance from the college's Wellness Services, which helped him cope with health issues. Now, two years later, he serves as a Peer Leader, making it his mission to share his story with the hope that it may help others who are in the same boat.

"When I was starting at Wake Tech, I felt unworthy of resources. I was scared because I didn't know what to expect," he said. "But you don't need to feel that way. I realized that I am deserving of resources, and you are, too!"

As part of the Peer Leader program, Bobier developed a project called "Overcoming First-Semester Struggles," which explored why some students are reluctant to utilize resources at Wake Tech. He interviewed dozens of students and received answers ranging from "What if the counselor does not care?" to "being ashamed of myself" to "fear of judgment."

To help students overcome their concerns, Bobier recommends creating a series of videos featuring Peer Leaders like himself, believing that a friendly face may help students realize that they are not alone. He believes these videos and encouragement from faculty can give students the courage to seek help.

"It's important to know that other students struggle with the same things as you," he said. "So, it's good to hear from a peer in a leadership position saying, 'I still struggle. Nobody's perfect.'"

Wake Tech's Care Center is a one-stop hub for all sorts of wraparound support, from food, transportation and financial assistance to Wellness Services and success coaching. Students who need academic support are referred to the TLC. To take the first step, visit carecenter.waketech.edu or stop into a Care Center on campus.