RCC Alumni

It’s Never Too Late: One Woman’s Return to College After A 50-Year Pause

Fifty years after first setting foot on a college campus, Patricia Preuss found herself starting over. Her educational journey began in 1971 at a four-year university, but after several years, self-doubt and depression led her to leave school and focus on work and family. “I got married, had children, moved, changed jobs—life kept moving,” she recalled. “Then I became very ill and couldn’t work. One morning I just woke up and thought, I want to try college again.” With limited financial and emotional resources, Patricia walked into Rappahannock Community College, ready to discover what college in the 21st century was like—and to see if she could finish what she started decades before.

“I don’t remember what I asked when I walked in, but suddenly Kelly Osuanah (college navigator) was there, handing me papers, asking me questions, and registering me for classes,” said Preuss. “She took me to the young woman in Financial Aid who filled out the forms for me. So, within about an hour, I was suddenly, at 65, a student again.” She then went on to talk about her advisor. “Everyone I encountered was so supportive. My admissions advisor, and financial aid as I said, the women in the Admissions office who helped me to convince the computer that I was a live human. Christina Tidwell, my Advisor/Counselor was crucial to my surviving RCC, without her I would have quit the second week,” continued Preuss. “I had decided to take classes online because of my health issues, but I was 65 and knew practically nothing about computers. Christina met with me every week to explain computers, Office, Blackboard, online classes, how to use the camera, and mic, and join virtual classes.”

“My main goal in coming back to college had been to complete what I had started 50 years ago, and to hopefully find a way to do some good in the world,” said Preuss.  “My hope was that I could actually finally graduate. My greatest fear was whether I could actually do the work, and would I be able to cope with socializing.” Preuss admits that she had not interacted much with people since she became sick 25 years before.

But at RCC she felt supported, “My professors, fellow students, the Library staff, and the people in the testing center, were all very patient, and kind, and made learning easier than I had anticipated,” she said. “The wonderful financial aid office staff were crucial in setting me on the path to financial aid. I always made sure to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as the opened each year. 

There were other personal obstacles that challenged her. “The mini strokes I’d had years before left peculiar gaps in my thinking, making it more difficult to read, and also left me with no short term memory. Fortunately, I was told that there are such things as ‘accommodations’ now, and I applied for those. These were just what I needed. I was permitted a blank piece of paper & a pen to write down the question that appeared on the computer screen, because when the screen changed to the answer choices screen, I’d forgotten the question. Seriously. So frustrating. The staff in the testing center were marvelous and were so patient! Answering my same questions over and over every time it was time for a new exam.”

RCC taught Preuss how to function in the 21st century, how to use computers, and online resources for research, and how to take online classes, which she continued to do at her 4-year school through Covid, and beyond.

“Everyone at RCC was incredibly warm, welcoming, patient, and helpful. Which made returning a wonderful experience,” said Preuss. “I would definitely recommend it to everyone. It’s a good way to get your toe in the door to higher education. Children in my family have taken community college classes simultaneously with high school, so it’s good for that, and it was a gentle return for me after almost 50 years, like wading in at the shallow end, rather than being pushed off the high dive into the deep end.”

“RCC prepared me well and last May I graduated from Mary Baldwin University with a 4.0 grade point average and a bachelor’s degree! I couldn’t have done it without my experiences at RCC first,” said Preuss.

“I think for some reason people look down on community colleges, and I think that is a huge mistake. Community colleges are for everyone who want to improve their life. My advice would be, come in like I did, meet some people, ask questions, start at your comfort level. Take classes for fun. Take classes to improve your life. I met many students here who were studying nursing or business, while raising families, and working. They were so inspiring. Attending RCC was a positive, life changing experience for me.”

A Head Start to Success at Rappahannock Community College

For many students, the path to higher education is filled with choices and challenges. For Madysen Davis, attending Rappahannock Community College (RCC) was a decision that set the stage for an accelerated and rewarding academic journey.

Choosing Community College First
At just 14 years old and attending Middlesex High School, Madysen had the opportunity to attend the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, where she took dual enrollment courses through RCC. By the time she graduated from high school in 2022, she had already earned an associate degree in arts and sciences, a STEM at Work certificate, and a general education credential. "Taking community college courses early allowed me to further my educational career much faster than I would have if I had waited until I had graduated high school," she shared. "I knew that I wanted to get ahead, and choosing to do community college first allowed me to do so."

"I was scared that I was too young for community college and that my age would limit me," she admitted. However, with support from her peers and instructors, those fears faded. Financial concerns also posed a challenge, but thanks to scholarships, she was able to continue her education without debt and stress.

Finding Community at RCC
One of the most impactful aspects of their time at RCC was the sense of community she experienced. "Before Governor’s School classes began in the morning, we met in the student lounge to play ping-pong or chat. It truly felt like a community since we were there together, supporting one another."

Breaking Myths About Community College
One common misconception about community colleges is that they offer a lower-quality education compared to four-year universities. Madysen challenges this notion: "Some of the community college courses I have taken have been more rigorous than courses I have taken at the University of Virginia. RCC provided me with an exceptional education." 

After high school Madysen attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and then completed the Pharmacy Technician Program through the U.S. Career Institute. She recently passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam. 

During the fall of 2024, Madysen finished taking the remaining prerequisites for pharmacy school, is now earning an associate degree in business administration and an associate degree in social work/psychology and the Health-STEM certificate. She will begin Pharmacy school at VCU this summer to work on a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Business Administration. The diverse coursework offered at RCC helped shape her long-term goal: to own a pharmacy and work directly with patients to provide the best care possible.

"By taking courses through RCC before attending UVA, I felt very prepared because I knew what was expected of me as a student. RCC helped me develop essential skills such as time management, self-discipline, and effective study methods, which made the transition much easier,” she said.

Words of Advice
For those considering community college, Madysen offers simple yet powerful advice, "Take the opportunity. Enrolling in community college will lessen the financial burden you may face and will provide you with a solid foundation before attending a four-year university. RCC played a crucial role in my educational career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it."

Passion Meets Profession

Matthew Davis is a Rappahannock Community College alumnus who graduated from the diesel program in May 2025. Since graduation he has secured a full-time job at Essex Concrete, where he works in their shop, maintaining their fleet of vehicles. He is part of a team of five skilled and professional mechanics, where he is applying all the skills he learned in the Diesel program at RCC. In addition to his regular duties, Matthew also takes on special assignments with other employees who travel to various shops and provide special assistance. His boss, whom Matthew really likes, seems extremely pleased with his knowledge, skills, and eagerness to learn each day.

“Matthew always demonstrated a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a genuine passion for the trade. To see him now putting those skills to work in such a meaningful way—and thriving as part of a professional team—is incredibly rewarding,” said Craig Donor, Diesel Department Head, RCC. “His ability to step into this role with confidence and initiative is a testament to both his determination and his natural abilities. I simply steered the boat, Matthew did all the work.”

It is very clear that Matthew enjoys his line of work and is ready to give his 110% effort into all the things he is tasked to do. Since he started there in June, Matthew has negotiated a well-paid salary and received wonderful benefits that set him up for a bright future. “I really appreciate all the support from RCC and Mr. Donor and everything he taught me.” said Matthew.

 Congratulations on your success Matthew! Rappahannock Community College is proud of the person you have become, and we are so glad that you chose to be a part of the RCC family.

From RCC to Randolph-Macon College

For Layla Gaines, attending Rappahannock Community College was the perfect foundation for future success. While still in high school and enrolled in the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, she also completed an associate degree at RCC—a challenge that required balance, commitment, and determination.

“Attending RCC was a great experience! The flexibility of online courses and the amazing staff who helped explain my path to success allowed me to accomplish my goals,” said Gaines.

Balancing academics with athletics and high school commitments wasn’t easy. “The main challenge I overcame was time management. I had a goal to finish my classes in about two years, and between being a student athlete and a high school student, there wasn’t much time. However, with RCC’s faster semesters and online options, I was able to squeeze in classes during my free time and really thrive academically.”

Now a member of the Randolph-Macon College Class of 2026, she credits RCC for setting her on a strong academic path. “Because I attended RCC, I’ll graduate a year earlier from my four-year college. That means I can enter the workforce sooner and begin achieving even more of my goals.”

Layla is majoring in mathematics and recently completed an internship in New York City focusing on jewelry merchandising. “I’m considering a career in merchandising and would also love to use my mathematics knowledge to help tutor children who may struggle financially to pay a tutor,” she added.

Read More Alumni Stories

From Incarceration to Inspiration: Tyrone Wheatley's Journey with RCC
Full Circle: RCC Alumna Monisha Golden Becomes First Recipient of Nursing Fellowship
RCC Alum Opens Tax Firm in Gloucester
Celebrating RCC's Health Sciences Alumni
From RCC to ODU: Ryan Riordan
RCC Alum, Employee Grateful for Support: Tracy Peacock
From RCC Student to Employee: Paris Nelson
Burn Survivor Makes RCC Nursing Graduation a Full-Circle Moment: Kendra Yates
Mariyah Bland: Alumna Spotlight 
From RCC to Newport News Shipyard: Scott Pruitt
RCC Baseball Players Return to Classroom 48 Years Later
Rappahannock Community College Student Fanning Wins Literature Prize
RCC Alumni Damarius Pollard Receives Patent for Trailer Floor Protector