When Diamond Simmons of Kinston started attending Wayne Community College in the spring of 2024, one of her priorities was to get involved on campus. Now, she is part of several campus and community organizations and hopes to leave a legacy of leadership behind when she graduates.
Simmons enrolled in WCC’s Associate in Science program and quickly took advantage of all WCC has to offer. She became a member of the College’s Multicultural Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, obtained a federal work-study position in the Financial Aid office, and then became a tutor in the Academic Skills Center, which led to membership on the junior board of the National Tutoring Association.
Global leadership
One of Simmons’s favorite organizations on campus is WCC’s Scholars of Global Distinction. The program is a partnership between the state’s community colleges and UNC World View, preparing students to work effectively across international contexts and industries.
As a Global Scholar, Simmons enjoys attending student leadership conferences, connecting with other students to develop a global mindset. When WCC hosted the North Carolina Association of International Educators student conference last fall, Simmons served on the student leadership team, helped plan the event, and presented at the conference.
“It was such an amazing experience to be on the student leadership team and to be a part of something that really matters globally and locally,” Simmons said. “Joining clubs has helped me gain confidence and communication skills. I’m able to talk to people of all backgrounds.”
Making an impact
In addition to her involvement at WCC, Simmons works at the Boys and Girls Clubs as a youth development professional, helping elementary-school students with reading comprehension.
Her desire to help others is also shaping her plans for the future. Simmons will graduate from WCC in the fall of 2026 and plans to transfer to a university and continue her education in clinical psychology.
“I’ve always been interested in STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics], and I also want to help people, making an impact not just for myself but for people all around the world,” Simmons said. Her dream is to create a nonprofit organization that combines her love of theater with her passion for mental health.
Finding her purpose
Reflecting on her college experience, Simmons is thankful she took the initiative to get involved in many areas on campus.
“I’m happy that I came to WCC,” Simmons said. “This feels like more than a college to me; this is home. I love that this school is built on community and that we all come together to help one another. I’m very grateful for the people that I’ve met here.”
With many goals set before her, Simmons wants to continue developing the leadership qualities she has acquired as a WCC student. “I gained a lot of confidence here at WCC,” Simmons said. “I knew I needed to find my purpose. And now that I have found my purpose, it feels great.”
Learn more about academic and extracurricular opportunities on WCC’s website.