As high school graduation drew near, Crossnore Academy student Crystal Buff knew that she wanted to stay close to home and that she was not ready to move to a four-year university. Knowing these things did not stop her from continuing her education, however, because she found her place at Mayland Community College.

Buff is in her second year at Mayland working on her Human Services degree. She had heard good recommendations from the staff at her high school, and since she was used to small classes with combined ages she came to Mayland to see if the college would be the right fit for her.

"I really love Mayland," said Buff. "It takes some time for you to get adjusted to a new way of being educated, but once you get used to the new atmosphere you become more comfortable and confident."

Buff said she had gotten to know her teachers well while attending high school and moving to college was an adjustment for her. Once she learned the new routines and got to know her instructors she knew she wanted to succeed in her college career.

"The faculty and staff at Mayland really go the extra mile to help you in any way they can, and being in a classroom with different ages is awesome," said Buff. "The mixed ages really gives you different view points on subjects and that can help us better understand different angles of a situation we are discussing in class."

She is also the recipient of the Arthur Scholarship. This scholarship was created through Mayland's Foundation by Glenn and Carol Arthur to assist a student from Crossnore Academy in continuing their education.

"The Arthurs are the two most giving people in the world," said Buff. "There help means everything to me. Without the financial assistance I would not have been able to go to college. I give the Arthurs updates on how I am doing when I see them. I want them to know that their financial help is being used they way they intended it to be."

Buff is interested in continuing her education at a four-year university, but for now she is concentrating on being successful while at Mayland.

"By being here at Mayland it means that I want to be here and I want to succeed and get a good education," said Buff. "With the scholarship I received, I do not have to worry about paying for books or tuition. I can really focus on school."