Sophomore aims to teach history
Sep 18, 2023Like many students at Rockingham Community College, William Armstrong is researching four-year universities where he can transfer when he earns his Associate in Arts degree in May 2024.
He knows application deadlines are coming up swiftly, and he has narrowed it down to one of the state colleges in North Carolina – possibly UNC-Chapel Hill.
Armstrong has also narrowed down his career path.
“I initially wanted to go into law, because I like social sciences and thought it would be interesting,” he said. But as he researched, he felt drawn in another direction.
“I’ve always been into history, so I thought that would be a good avenue. I’m thinking about teaching college-level history,” Armstrong said.
“I’m really interested in the history of religion specifically, and would delve into it more deeply and explain it to other people,” he said. “And if you’re in academia, it opens researching in certain areas as well – it opens a lot of avenues.”
Armstrong graduated from Westover Christian Academy in Danville, Virginia.
“[I came to RCC] because I live in Eden so it’s close by, my parents came here and my sister came here for a period,” he said. “They said it was good all around.”
But there were some adjustments to life as an RCC student.
“It was kind of difficult at first because you have a lot more freedom, and the structure of the classes, with them not all being in one block but spread out,” he said.
“I like how available the teachers are. I didn’t know how the switch was going to be, because in high school I knew all my teachers because it was a smaller school,” he said. “I wasn’t sure how I would like it.”
Outside of the classroom, Armstrong is a member of the Music Club on campus.
“I play the alto saxophone,” he said. “We get together and learn songs and music theory, and play music. I’ve played the saxophone since the sixth grade.”
Armstrong advises anyone who is considering going to college to attend RCC for the first two years.
“The teachers are very good, and RCC has a lot of resources to help you along,” he said. “When you come in, just don’t procrastinate. Stay on top of things and you’ll probably be good.”
Coming into the fall 2023 semester with a 3.63 overall GPA, Armstrong shared the secret behind his academic success, such as good time management.
“I always make sure that before each week starts, I plan out when to do homework each day,” he said. “And even if I think I know something, I make sure I ask teachers questions, just in case.”
By Gerri Hunt, RCC Director of Public Information
