Anita Carroll McGee was born and raised in Mitchell County. She attended Mitchell County Schools until 1995, when she quit to get married. She decided to return to school and get her GED, which led her to Mayland in 1996.

After receiving her GED, McGee worked at Baxter's in Marion, and had two wonderful children. In 2001, her daughter, Meredith, was diagnosed with lung cancer, and this led her to the decision that she wanted to become a nurse.

McGee enrolled in Mayland's Nursing Program along with her sister. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer that fall and had to drop out of the program, always encouraging McGee to continue.

"I wanted to take care of her, but she would not let me," said McGee. "So I worked extra hard to make her proud. I was not just achieving my dream, but hers also."

At the end of her first year in the Nursing Program, McGee had lost both her mother and sister. Even though this was one of the most difficult times in her life, she relied on her Mayland family who helped her in every way they could.

"I could not have achieved my dream of becoming a nurse without the wonderful people at Mayland who believed in me," said McGee.

McGee now works as a Registered Nurse at the Buladean School and Family Health Center.

"I love my job and the many opportunities that I now have thanks to Mayland Community College," said McGee.

McGee intends to continue her education by entering Lees-McRae College in the near future.