ANC Student Snapshot - April 2020 - Darrius Nichols

April 2020 Arkansas Northeastern College Student Snapshot recipient, Darrius Nichols.

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧

𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗦, 𝗕𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲

Arkansas Northeastern College would like to announce Darrius Nichols of Blytheville as one of its Student Snapshot recipients for April. ANC Instructor in Construction Technology Josh Chipman nominated Nichols.

“I have known Darrius for two years now. He was a high school student in the 2018-2019 academic calendar year and is now a college student finishing up his construction Certificate of Proficiency,” said Chipman who added that Nichols was a responsible student who works hard in the program.

Getting a start at ANC through the College’s Secondary Technical Center, helped Nichols decide to continue his studies. ANC Tech Center provides a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn about different career options. The ANC Tech Center is a workforce education center that offers both high school and college credit in career and technical programs to all high school students in Mississippi County, Arkansas. It is housed in ANC’s Center for Allied Technologies and provides students with hands-on training in career and technical fields. Tech Center programs of study teach marketable job skills and offer industry certifications, as well as college credit. High school students taking advantage of the Tech Center are able to do so at no cost. All costs are covered by the school districts and the Arkansas Department of Career Education.

Nichols has enjoyed his time at ANC and has learned a great deal in his classes.

“My favorite class is taught by Mr. Chipman and it’s a construction class. It’s my favorite because not only is he a great teacher, but he helps a lot and knows the information. This class alone will also help with my future plans by getting me the skills I need to perform the things I will have to do,” said Nichols.

Chipman, who has many years of experience in both residential and commercial construction, brings a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge to his program. He enjoys working with the students, especially those like Nichols.

“Darrius is very punctual, professional, and demonstrates a great work ethic in the classroom. I feel that Darrius is a great representative of ANC, and I am proud of his work and glad that he is being recognized as one of ANC’s Student Snapshot recipients.”

Nichols, who grew up in Blytheville, has always been an outgoing person. As an energetic person who has trouble sitting still, he finds the hands-on work in the ANC Construction Technology Program to fit his personal learning style. “I’ve always wanted to do something and be involved. If I wasn’t doing anything, I felt like I was just wasting time. I like to get involved and I love to help out.”

This involvement can be seen in his community. Outside of school, Nichols is involved in many things including the Juneteenth Celebration each summer, which celebrates the abolishment of slavery. Additionally, he participates in the ‘Dancing for the Cure’ fund-raiser for cancer research. His ANC family appreciates his dedication to education and his desire to help others.

ANC was a good choice for him as he wanted to be close to home, and he has some words of advice for others considering attending college.

“Don’t follow the trend. Be yourself and go for what you like. Not for the popularity of the college or what others want. If it meets your needs, attend it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a community college, private school, or big university, go for YOU!”