Austin Tyras-Reed’s journey from the United States Air Force to Brunswick Community College (BCC) is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and hope. A former Armorer with the Military Police, Austin’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis while deployed in Africa. Forced to leave the military after a medevac to Germany and subsequent treatments, Austin faced a challenging question: What next?

From a young age, Austin dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps to serve 20 years or more in the Air Force. Enlisting in 2015, he quickly found his place, excelling in basic training, and began his career at Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath before returning stateside to Moody Air Force Base. He thrived as second-in-command of his unit, embodying leadership and a commitment to excellence. “I was living my dream, in the best shape of my life, and ready to dedicate myself to service,” said Austin. But shortly after being deployed to Africa, his journey took an unexpected turn causing his military career to be cut short.

Upon returning to the U.S., Austin adjusted, helping his family and thinking about his next steps. “I went from having my life mapped out to feeling unsure of my future,” he said. “That’s when I started thinking about college, discovered BCC, and was welcomed with open arms. This college felt like the right place from the start. There were staff members who were former service members, which made the transition easier,” Austin said. He found mentors in admissions, faculty, and the Foundation and accessed a range of resources for veterans, which gave him the support he needed to succeed academically and personally.

Now studying Computer Science, Austin has become a standout student, poised to graduate in May. While he may no longer be in the military, his life of service continues. He gives back as a Student Ambassador, proudly representing BCC and sharing his story to inspire others. He mentors teens and volunteers extensively at his church, where he’s leading the development of a security program. His experience in leadership and dedication to community shines through in every role he takes on.

As Austin looks ahead, he hopes to help other veterans struggling with their transitions. “I want other vets to know they’re not alone. BCC has been an incredible place to grow, learn, and prepare for a new career,” he said. “My journey has been anything but conventional, but I’ve found my way with the proper support. Transitioning to civilian life after the military can be rough, but people like the ones at BCC have made it much more manageable. My outlook on the future has changed for the better. I now know what’s next, and I’m excited.

It takes only a few minutes with BCC Nursing student Terissa Jordan to be sure she has chosen the right profession and be grateful for it, too. Terissa is finishing her final semester at BCC before taking the NCLEX-RN exam and achieving her dream of becoming a registered nurse. 

“This has been quite a journey,” said Terissa. “I was accepted into the program once before but had to withdraw. I struggled in school for the first time ever, so I decided to take a break and try again.” Terissa explained that because of the time that passed, she had to start all over, beginning with the application process. “I was accepted at three schools but chose to return to BCC, even though I live in Pender County,” said Terissa. “BCC’s program is modern and up to date. The facilities are top-notch, as are the instructors. Even though I had to withdraw on my first attempt, they believed in me. That meant a lot.” 

Terissa is now in the homestretch and excelling in every way. To help with tuition costs, she secured a spot in the work-study program. She also received a scholarship from the Foundation and became a Student Ambassador. Terissa works at New Hanover Hospital as a Nurse Aide. 

“I’m on my way and not ready to stop anytime soon,” said Terissa. “I want my two children to know that if they want something, they need to go for it, regardless of the hurdles they may need to overcome.” After graduating from BCC, Terissa plans to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at UNCW and then continue to earn her Masters. 

In the meantime, she is enjoying her role as an ambassador. “I’ve never been a very social person,” she said. “Being an ambassador has given me the confidence to open up and get out there. I’m learning a lot and enjoy representing BCC. That’s something I plan to do way beyond nursing school. I will be back.” 

We look forward to that, Terissa! 

After nine years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, BCC student Andrew Burgmuller found himself on the BCC campus for orientation after enrolling in his first college classes. Also present were two BCC employees and veteran mentors who approached Andrew, offering help and guidance. Like Andrew, they understood how it felt transitioning from the military to civilian life and wanted him to know that he wasn’t alone. 

Two years later, Andrew has stepped into their shoes, helping student veterans succeed in every way possible at BCC and beyond. “There are so many resources for veterans at BCC,” said Andrew. “I had no idea about them until I arrived on campus. I was familiar with the GI Bill but soon learned that much more is available. I’m grateful for the help I received and enjoy paying it forward to those who come after me.”

While beginning college in your thirties might intimidate some, Andrew dove right in and hasn’t looked back. He took advantage of resources like free tutoring and, before long, became a tutor himself. He applied for scholarships created for student veterans and received several awards. Andrew also applied for the federal work-study program and is now employed part-time at BCC in The Learning Center (TLC) while he attends school. 

“The Foundation is a wonderful resource run by people who care, ” Andrew said. “I’ve been fortunate to benefit from scholarships funded by organizations like the Committee to Honor America’s Veterans and Calabash Elks Lodge. It’s humbling to see people who have given so much of themselves as part of the military still giving to the next generation. They make me want to do the same. There’s nothing quite like helping a student who enters TLC with an ashen face leave with a smile.”

Student veterans can find Andrew in TLC or contact him via email at [email protected].

Student Ambassador Miley Ritchie is one to watch. This first-year student arrived at BCC after graduating from West Brunswick High School, where she started her sophomore year.

If there’s one thing this young woman knows how to handle, it’s change. While she lives in Calabash, NC, Miley moved from Kentucky to North Carolina and back again before nally landing home. “I love living in Calabash, but all the back and forth wasn’t easy,” said Miley. “It was hard to make friends, and kids aren’t always nice to the new girl, so I had to find my way. For me, senior year in high school was when everything came together. I rocked it. I stopped being afraid and started figuring out me, who I wanted to be, and to help my younger sister do the same.” 

Miley joined the Cross Country team and made it to regionals. Academically, she soared. Miley gained confidence and made friends. After graduation, she found herself at BCC. “After so many moves, I wanted to stay put at least for my rst two years of college,” she said. “Plus, BCC is fantastic and has everything I need and more. The academic programs and support are excellent. Everyone is so welcoming, and the campus is a fun place to be. You can feel the school spirit, and I couldn’t be happier.”

After meeting several faculty and staff members, Miley was encouraged to apply to become an Ambassador. She is as enthusiastic and genuine as they come and aced her interview. Miley looks forward to meeting new people and getting involved on campus. She hopes to get lots of practice speaking in public and is ready for whatever challenges come her way. 

Andrew Jackson exemplifies what’s possible when a student takes advantage of all that BCC offers. He is an excellent student and public speaker and serves as an ambassador and member of the Student Government Association. Andrew is among the first to volunteer when help is needed and is incredibly proud to have met North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

Andrew is also the first student to graduate as part of the new NC State University Community College Collaboration (C3) program with BCC. C3 is a dual-admission program for high-achieving community college students who plan to continue their education at NC State after completing their associate degree. This fall, Andrew plans to do just that as he pursues his bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Student Ambassador Lucas Merriam arrived at BCC last year having already earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Parks & Recreation Management and another in the German Language. His return to college was as surprising to him as it may seem to us. “After earning my degrees at ECU, I thought school was behind me,” said Lucas. “I was ready to find a job and have a wonderful life.”

As is the case for so many of us so often, things turned out differently than he planned. That’s okay, though, because what’s ahead for Lucas will be even better and get him closer to achieving his goal of making a difference in the world.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Park Ranger,” said Lucas. “I love the outdoors and want to help restore ecosystems. After working in my field for a few years, I felt stuck and unable to do what I was most passionate about. At the proverbial fork in the road, I took the one that led me home to Ocean Isle Beach and eventually to BCC.”

Today, Lucas is thriving. He is pursuing an Associate degree in Engineering and plans to transfer to North Carolina State University in the fall of 2024 to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering. He works as a Math and Science tutor in BCC’s The Learning Center and serves as a Student Ambassador.

“I’m on the right path now, and I look forward to making a difference in the world by living my passion for nature and the environment,” said Lucas. “I’m loving my time at BCC and grateful for the support all around me, especially from the Foundation. The scholarships I’ve received are making my dream a reality. Being an Ambassador is my way of giving back, saying thank you, and inspiring others to find their way.”