Davidson County Community College

MOCKSVILLE — It was a quiet morning on the Davie campus of Davidson County Community College on Oct. 5. Then, a boisterous noise thundered through the air.

The pull of a tractor-trailer horn was just one of the sounds and sights of National Manufacturing Day in Davie County. Eighth grade students from South Davie, North Davie and Ellis middle schools made a stop on DCCC’s Davie campus to explore the programs and professions available to them.

“A lot of them don’t have any idea what they want to do yet, and they’re getting ready to sign up for high school courses,” South Davie Middle School teacher Audra Sexton said. “For the kids that we teach, a lot of them haven’t had the opportunity to see a college campus before. Just the overall experience getting to see these careers as a possibility in their lives, and these opportunities are right where we live in Davie County, is impactful and creating interest.”

During their time on the Davie campus, students experienced hands-on activities representing various programs offered through the college. These stations included a manufacturing simulation lab, an ambulance, a fire truck and a commercial truck.

Students also had the opportunity to explore the healthcare field. DCCC practical nursing faculty guided students as they listened to their heartbeat with the use of a stethoscope.

“I knew nurses had to do stuff, but I never realized it was that much,” eighth grade student Chloe Madrid said. “I am excited for the things I didn’t even know were possible.”

Health sciences programs represented also included central sterile processing and pharmacy technology.

DCCC was just one stop on the students’ itinerary during National Manufacturing Day. Students also visited the Davie Medical Center as well as several Davie County manufacturers and local businesses such as Ashley Furniture, Pro Refrigeration and Ingersoll Rand.

“As a community college, we want to inspire these young students to start thinking about their futures,” Teresa Kines, dean of Davie Campus, said. “Part of our calling as a community college is to help direct the next generation of the workforce towards success, even if it’s long before they’re ready to start making decisions about college.”

From the excited laughter and smiles present throughout the event, it seems these Davie County eighth graders are excited and inspired to begin the process of planning for their futures.