Morehead valedictorian chooses RCC Nursing
Nov 20, 2025As Morehead High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian, Reagan Harris had plenty of options for college. She was even accepted to High Point University.
But after thinking it through, she asked herself, if she really want to spend four years and take on debt when she could come to Rockingham Community College, get the same education, and finish sooner?
Her decision: pursue an associate degree in Nursing at RCC.
“I can become a Registered Nurse and, if I want my bachelor’s later, I can do that without the financial burden of a four-year university,” she explained.
Harris is no stranger to RCC. While in high school, she dually enrolled at RCC and earned her Certified Nursing Assistant credential.
“I loved that we were able to get real-life experiences, and were able to work with manikins, because the hands-on involvement is one way I learn best,” she said. “At 17, I was already a CNA.”
Healthcare has been Harris’s passion since childhood.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping others. I felt like I needed to take care of those who were in need,” she said. “I would always play nurse around the house and would doctor those who were hurt. I’ve just always felt like that was a passion growing inside of me.”
Now a pre-Nursing student, Harris is completing prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, English, psychology, and chemistry before applying to RCC’s Nursing program for fall 2026.
Her favorite classes are the anatomy and physiology labs. As a visual learner, seeing body parts laid out helps her understand.
She credits RCC instructors for her success, for helping students learn everything they need to know to succeed.
“I love my English class as well. My English teacher is an amazing professor. I was never that good at English, but now I feel like I could do a lot more than I could before coming here,” she said.
College feels different than high school, Harris noted. “In high school, you’re just trying to get past your four years. Here, I’m focused on my career and want to do better for myself. I put a lot more effort into things,” she said.
Harris has advice for other students:
- Stay organized and meet deadlines.
- Take honors classes in high school to boost your GPA.
- Ask for help—teachers and counselors are there for you.
- Don’t give up when it gets hard.
Looking ahead, Harris envisions working in a hospital, possibly the ER.
“That pace fits me,” she said. “And if it doesn’t, nursing offers so many options.”
Her final words of wisdom: “Dream big, work hard, and don’t give up. One day, it’ll all be worth it.”
~Story and photo by Gerri Hunt, RCC director of Public Information
