Early College, Big Dreams
Apr 1, 2026Gwen Goad Shoots for Vassar (and Nails It)
For Gwendolyn Goad, the journey to 猫咪社区 began long before she ever stepped onto campus. A Pelham resident who was born in Danville, Virginia, Goad entered RCC through the Rockingham Early College High School program after being accepted in middle school. Now a senior preparing to graduate in May 2026 with her Associate in Arts degree, she says the experience has shaped both her future and her sense of self.
鈥淚鈥檝e been doing the Early College at RCC since freshman year,鈥� Goad said. 鈥淢y goal was to get ahead 鈥� finish my associate degree so I鈥檇 only need two more years for my bachelor鈥檚.鈥�
What she didn鈥檛 expect was just how deeply the college would influence her academic direction. Goad has long been fascinated by psychology 鈥� an interest rooted in her family鈥檚 history of mental illness and her curiosity about the human mind.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been interested in how different things affect the brain,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not always just environmental factors. Sometimes it鈥檚 just the way you鈥檙e born, and while we can鈥檛 change that, we can help people be the best version of themselves.鈥�
She鈥檚 already taken three psychology courses and is preparing for the next chapter: attending Vassar College in New York, where she plans to major in psychology and neuroscience.
Goad describes her college experience as overwhelmingly positive.
鈥淚 love RCC,鈥� she said. 鈥淓veryone is always so nice and helpful, and the professors genuinely want you to succeed. They never hold you back.鈥�
That support proved essential during challenging moments.
鈥淭here were definitely times I thought, 鈥業 don鈥檛 know if I can do this,鈥欌�� she recalled. 鈥淏ut I reminded myself I鈥檝e done hard things before. And I always have people supporting me 鈥� my family, my friends, and my teachers.鈥�
Instructors often provided guidance, feedback, or flexibility when she needed it most. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e always been very supportive and accommodating,鈥� she said, 鈥減art of that whole support system.鈥�
Goad also makes academic use of RCC鈥檚 library resources, especially online databases like ProQuest. 鈥淚 utilize that a lot for assignments,鈥� she said.
While psychology is her passion, Goad has found joy in RCC鈥檚 variety of classes. One unexpected favorite has been ceramics.
鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to try pottery,鈥� she said. 鈥淸I鈥檓 able] to do that without going off campus. Last semester especially, having that mix of psychology and ceramics made me feel like yes, I鈥檓 in the right place.鈥�
Those creative breaks help her find balance. 鈥淚鈥檓 not super stressed all the time,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 can have fun and relaxation in my day.鈥�
Her favorite spots on campus reflect that sense of calm. She loves the outdoor tables between the Humanities and Science buildings 鈥� specifically lying on top of them rather than sitting 鈥� and the amphitheater when the weather is warm.
To her younger self in her first semester of college, Goad would say: 鈥淪ee it through. Don鈥檛 give up. Stay focused on your studies. If you want something, go for it.鈥�
That message extends to anyone considering RCC.
鈥淒efinitely enroll,鈥� she said without hesitation. 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much freedom and so many options. If you鈥檙e unsure about your future, this is the perfect place to explore before committing to a path.鈥�
As she prepares to leave RCC for Vassar, Goad carries with her not only credits and experience, but confidence.
And her final piece of advice to others is simple but heartfelt:
鈥淎lways be yourself. Never let other people tell you who to be.鈥�
