Kymberly Shepard wouldn’t think of doing just what’s required: Exceeding expectations is something she does every day. This outgoing, upbeat Wake Tech student is in the second year of an associate’s degree program in Office Systems Technology. She also happens to be deaf – but she’s never let that challenge dampen her determination to reach her goals.

Kymberly is an active participant in the classroom. She uses lip-reading and signing to communicate, and takes full advantage of electronic technology as well. She often goes beyond what’s required to learn more about a topic, and her perseverance has helped her excel academically. As a member of the Wake Tech chapter of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, she won first place in the 2008 state competition in desktop publishing and took second place honors at the national level.

At Wake Tech, Kymberly has found a welcoming environment for all students. “Wake Tech is a very diverse school,” says Kymberly, “with many different and interesting people.” What would she advise others considering college? “I would say that Wake Tech is the best school to get a good start.”