TnAchieves helped Roane State student navigate college process

Without his tnAchieves mentor, the college admissions process would have been a “jumbled mess” for Roane State Community College student Deric Daniels.

TnAchieves, the forerunner of Tennessee Promise, offered students two years of community college tuition-free. All tnAchieves students have mentors.

“My mentor was great,” said Daniels, who takes classes at the college’s Scott County campus. “The last time our family had anything to do with college was when my mom went. Once you get into the college process, it looks overwhelming, but it’s not. The mentor will break it down, step by step.”

Daniels is hoping to complete his degree in one of four health sciences programs: radiologic technology, surgical technology, opticianry, or respiratory therapy.

“The thought of helping someone who can’t help themselves makes you feel good,” he said. “With radiology, you get to help find things that make people sick that they can’t see to hopefully save their lives.”

Starting at Roane State, Daniels said, was the right choice.

“A lot of my friends are going to other schools, and even with financial assistance, they are paying a lot more. We are taking the same classes,” Daniels said. “Here, it’s comfortable. If you need help, someone is always right there.”

For more information about the many programs and courses available at the Scott County campus, call (423) 663-3878 or visit roanestate.edu/scott.

Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. All colleges in the system offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit tncommunitycolleges.org.