Jessica Cox had worked for five years in the furniture industry in Spruce Pine, when she was told she was losing her job. The Ethan Allen plant where she was employed closed its doors, leaving Cox with the question of what to do next.

She found herself returning to the classroom, still not sure what she wanted to do with her life, but using the opportunity of one door closing to open a new door to a new path.

Cox was a victim of domestic violence and decided she would enroll in Mayland Community College's Human Services Program.

"I cannot let myself think that God helped me get through that for no reason," said Cox. "The Human Services Program at Mayland gave me the education to help give back to others in need."

Cox participated in an internship with the Family Violence Coalition of Yancey County while enrolled in her classes at Mayland. This internship lead to the job she has today.

She works as a weekend shelter manager and also assists with case management work a few days a week. This schedule allows her to spend more time with her daughter and do something she loves.

"I am using everything that I learned in the Human Services classes," said Cox. "I would tell anyone thinking about going back to school to not hesitate. It's worth it, even if at first you do not know exactly what you want to do. You really grow and find yourself at Mayland."