Planning for success: George Nabors takes on Seminole State

George Nabors can make a plan. In high school, when he began to work two jobs, he transitioned from Winter Springs High School to Seminole County Virtual School to allow for more flexibility in his schedule. While some students would flounder without structure, Nabors thrived and graduated early with his high school diploma.

When he set his sights on college, Coordinator of the First Generation Program Ashley Maddox was the first to introduce him to the programs available at Seminole State College of Florida, including the First Generation Program and the Summer Bridge Program. "She basically told me I had no reason not to do this," said Nabors, who jumped at the opportunity and attended the Summer Bridge information sessions to learn more. "I attended an information session the day I graduated from high school, and they ended it early for me since they knew I had to go. It was one of my first interactions with staff and they gave me the sense that they cared."

Making the Bridge to Campus Activities

Through the Summer Bridge Program, Nabors could get started during the Summer 2024 Term with two classes and no out-of-pocket costs, taking IDS 1107 First Year Experience course online and SPC 1608H Honors Speech Communication. "It let me figure out how I learned by taking one online and one in person class," said Nabors, who ended up preferring in-person classes. "Looking back, I would have had more networking and connection opportunities in the summer if I took them both in person."

Nabors made his connections, getting involved in the Grindle Honors Institute and becoming Regional Officer of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. "Something Seminole State is really good about, and is rubbing off on me, is student outreach," said Nabors. "Sharing info and getting the network out to help open more doors to future careers and courses you want to take. I've become strong enough in myself to start giving back to my community and I have Seminole State to thank for that."

A Plan for the Future

Nabor's service mentality is strong and for his career he knew that his social and empathetic personality could lend itself well to healthcare. In high school, he even volunteered at a low-income medical and dental clinic in Longwood. There, he interacted with patients and assisted a dentist who took the time to explain procedures to him, sparking his interest in dental health.

Now, Nabors is a certified nursing assistant, working a job with more flexibility as he finishes his pre-requisites at Seminole State and hopefully attends the College's top-rated nursing program. "I wanted something with grit and challenges me every day where I can build relationships," Nabors said. Ultimately, his goal is to go to dental school and become an oral surgeon and maxillofacial surgeon.