Tri-County Technical College: Alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner Addresses TCTC's Class Of 2022

Easley SC

10 June, 2022

10:07 AM

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Press release from the Tri-County Technical College: June 8, 2022 CLEMSON --- In his remarks to Tri-County Technical College's Class of 2022, alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner told the graduates to expect feelings of self-doubt as they make their way into the workforce and beyond, but warned them not to let those feelings of insecurity get the better of them. "The imposter syndrome (defined as an internal experience of doubting yourself and feeling like a fraud) happens to everyone," said Dr. Heavner, who currently serves as the scientific director of the CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory, an international research consortium. Eight hundred and fifty-seven graduates from fall 2021 and spring 2022 were eligible to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates at Littlejohn Coliseum May 14. "The imposter syndrome is that feeling that you're not good enough, that you are making it up as you go along, but everyone else knows what they are doing. You will question whether you are qualified, capable. You will think I am making this up as I go along. The secret is we are all making this up as we go along," said Dr. Heavner. "But your education, your training gives you the tools and resources to make better guesses about what to do. The purpose of higher education isn't to give you all the answers. It is to help you understand what you do not know and to train you to find the information you need to make a decision. Don't let the imposter syndrome get the better of you. You are qualified, you are ready, you are capable." Even to this day Dr. Heavner, a public health scientist who is also a registered nurse with more than a decade of clinical experience, specializing in emergency and critical care nursing, says he repeats those words to himself. "I didn't always make all the right choices," he said. Nearly two decades ago 17-year-old Heavner met Jennifer Beattie (now Hulehan), then a TCTC English instructor who was teaching a dual enrollment class at D. W. Daniel High School, where Heavner was a student. He says he remembers the day Hulehan told him he had written a college-level paper. "She said I should be proud of my work. I vividly remember her saying that I would succeed in college -- not just that I should enroll in college," he said. He decided he would be a nurse aide and figure things out from there. He enrolled at TCTC, recognizing that small classes and better relationships with instructors were a plus. In 2008, Heavner was pursuing his associate degree in nursing but failed an obstetrics class. "It knocked me out of the program. I had never failed before," he said. He didn't give up, and after receiving a practical nursing degree in 2010 and passing the state board exam, he transitioned back into the ADN program. He earned his associate degree in nursing in 2012 and passed the NCLEX with ease. "It took me six years to finish but my choice of school, our choice of school, made it possible for me to make it through. They assured me that my past failures didn't define me, that I deserved to be there," he said. "My mistakes were not limited to the classroom. I felt like an imposter everywhere," he said, recounting an incident when as a student working as a nursing assistant, he froze during an emergency. He said his colleagues coached and supported him. "With their mentorship and the education I received at Tri-County, I learned to manage that stress, that panic of being an imposter. I began to learn how to control that fear, the anxiety of being an imposter at the same school as you." He went on to earn a bachelor of science in nursing from Clemson University in 2014. He earned a doctor of philosophy from Clemson University in 2021, and currently he is engaged in the Global Clinical Scholars Program at Harvard Medical School. Anderson County From Anderson: Anthony Abernathy, Mechatronics Technology; K'resa Janese Adams, Administrative Office Technology; Tyler Madison Adams, Business Administration; Melanie Aguilar, Media Arts Production; Alexis Alba, Technical Operators I; Caleb Hunter Allgood, General Technology - Welding; Madison Erin Angle, Nursing; Dillon Michael Applewhite, Technical Operators II; Tylor Adam Aros, SMA Structural Welding; Karson Rose Atkin, Associate in Science; Heidi Lauren Aycock, Nursing; Paige Trinity Barnes, University Studies; Terrance Josiah Beaty, Technical Operators I; Nevin Jerrell Belcher, Media Arts Production; Quinton Kafele Tarius Black, Manufacturing Production I; Jasmine Jones Blanding, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Lindsey Blair Branyon, Administrative Office Technology; Nicholas Jesse Bravo, Associate in Science; Riley Brickman, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Tommy Joe Brister, Nursing; Magen Elizabeth Broughton, University Studies; Austin Randall Brown, General Engineering Technology; Mitchel Lee Webster Brown, Criminal Justice Technology; Zachary Gage Brown, Technical Operators I; Ceairra Leqeshia Burden, Accounting; Catherine Alice Burdette, University Studies; John Caleb Burgin, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; LaMont Antwan Butcher, Jr., University Studies; Amber Byrum, Veterinary Technology; Skylar Eve Cameron, Business Administration; Luis A. Castaneda-Vilchez, Industrial Electronics Technology; Cameron Walker Cavedo, University Studies; Jakeim Demetruis Chapman, Industrial Electronics Technology; Jacob Michael Chastain, Mechatronics Technology; Monica Shekia Clark, Early Care and Ed Assist; Jasmine LeSheila Clinkscales, University Studies; Malina Emily Cobb, Associate in Science; Zachary Alan Coker, Media Arts Production; Caleb Preston Cook, University Studies; Justin Copeland, University Studies; Traymesha Drunshay Cowans, Early Care and Education; Camden Gailen Cox, General Engineering Technology; Gabrielle L. Crane, Personal Care Aide; Jacqueline Hannah Dillon, Emergency Medical Technology; Ansley Elizabeth Dixon, Associate in Science; Garrett Logan Donald, University Studies; Shannon Hope Drew, Emergency Medical Technology; Ciera Lyn Dudziak, Business Foundations; Lauren Edmonds, Associate in Science; Alexis Taylor Ellington, Associate in Science; Kimaka La'Chelle Evans, Associate in Science; Skyvens Lee Francique, Mechatronics Technology; Cameron Spencer Franklin, Media Arts Production; Carson Andrew Fulmer, Nursing; Makala Ann Furtick, Associate in Science; Lequan Gagen, University Studies; Viena Garcia-Salazar, University Studies; Tanonka Nikel Geer, Nursing; Braylin Danielle Gillespie, Industrial Electronics Technology; Hunter James Gillespie, Technical Operators I; Destiny Gilliland, Personal Care Aide; Jesse Edmond Grabb, Nursing; Jacob A. Guthrie, Nursing; De'Andra Kayoka Haliey, University Studies; Ericka Danielle Hamby, University Studies; Julia Aiken Hamilton, Associate in Arts; Tanner Bryce Harbin, Nursing; Silas Grady Harris, Mechatronics Technology; Allie Jaymes Hartman, University Studies; Stacy Kenyatta Hatten, Early Care and Education; Josie Oubre Haynie, Nursing; Calder Helfrich, SMA Structural Welding; Kayla Melissa Hembree, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis; Christopher M. Henderson, Technical Operators I; Maria Hernandez, University Studies; Anayely Hernandez-Alvarez, Associate in Science; Braiden Lawson Hill, Media Arts Production; Haley Christine Holder, University Studies; Davin Joel Horn, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Ashlyn Tea Hosea, University Studies; Robert Seth Howell, University Studies; Shanna Marie Hudson, University Studies; Tia Desarae Hull, University Studies; Cameron Michael Hulme, University Studies; Erin Smith Hyers, Nursing; Julia Grace Jaminet, University Studies; Colby William Jenkins, Mechatronics Technology; Alissa Merideth Johnson, University Studies; Mylisha Tyerra Johnson, Associate in Science; Benjamin Bryce Jones, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Jason Lee Jones, Mechatronics Technology; Haley Ashton Jordan, Nursing; Hunter William Keel, Mechatronics Technology; Ashlyn L. Kelley, Associate in Science; Nathan Blake Kelley, Mechatronics Technology; Loni Lynn King, Nursing; Bryce Thomas Krakos, University Studies; Freia R. Lademora, Associate in Arts; Jordan Latimer, Business Administration; Caleb Christopher Latsch, Mechatronics Technology; Aliza Martinez Lee, Associate in Arts; Reuben Legkodukh, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Gabriel Allen Liddell, Mechatronics Technology; Aiden Reginald Luper, SMA Structural Welding; Morgan Langer Malcolm, Nursing; Hattia Annacia Marshall, Early Care and Education; Aiden Carson Mathews, Mechatronics Technology; Generia Tesshea Mattress Adams, Media Arts Production; Wyatt Philip Maus, University Studies; Malina R. McCann, University Studies; Kealin Drake McCauley, Technical Operators I; Nathan Eric McCullough, Mechatronics Technology; Jamie Alicia McDowell, Business Administration; Zachary Wright McIntosh, Mechatronics Technology; Brandon Wayne Mcalister, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Casey Lorraine Mclellan, Personal Care Aide; Anthony Andrew Melnik, Associate in Science; Alexander Gordon Miller, HVAC Apprentice; Collin Lawrence Milstead, University Studies; Jacob Tyler Moon, Mechatronics Technology; Amber Nichole Moore, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Austin Tyler Moore, Mechatronics Technology; Katherine Marie Moore, University Studies; Reginald Austin Mucci, Nursing; Larisa P. Nechitaylo, Nursing; Tran Ngoc Nguyen, University Studies; Emily Carol Norris, Administrative Office Technology; Tamia Shelia Osborne, Associate in Arts; Colby Blaise Owens, Police Pre-Academy Training; Samantha Baylee Palmer, University Studies; Lydia Marie Peeples, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Logan Alexis Perry, Associate in Science; Courtney Michelle Petty, Nursing; Aaleeyah Kristyna Pickens, Personal Care Aide; Amanda Sheree Pruitt, Accounting - Office Specialist; Jacob Hunter Ramsey, University Studies; Andrew James Reid, Technical Operators I; Charles Rhodes, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Phoebe Joy Rickerd, Bookkeeping; Joseph Hunter Ricketts, Mechatronics Technology; Prilliyah Brishanti Rinnix, Technical Operators I; Zachary Hunter Harley Roach, Mechatronics Technology; Jesse Keith Roberts, University Studies; Ehrycka L. Robinson, University Studies; Jennifer Rodriguez Vargas, Associate in Science; Gabrielle Grace Rogers, Veterinary Technology; Christine A. Ross, Practical Nursing; Curtis James Rozell, Manufacturing and Continuous Process Improvement; Alisha Whitney Rumbos, University Studies; Hailey Marie Sanchez, Associate in Arts; Bryson Lee Sanders, Mechatronics Technology; Collin Ellerbe Sanders, Mechatronics Technology; Trenton Anthony Seaver, SMA Structural Welding; Christian Paul Sevakis, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Caroline Elizabeth Sexton, Associate in Science; Savannah Taylor Sharpe, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis; William Boyd Shirley, University Studies; Olusewa Eniola Shongotosin, Nursing; Mary Ellison Silvey, Nursing; Kristi Nicole Sizemore, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis; Jessica Renee Slaton, Nursing; Shannon Oleithia Sloan, Early Care and Education; Ariel Erikah Smith, University Studies; Christian Blake Justin Smith, Medical Lab Technology; Christian Gail Smith, Nursing; Crystal Dawn Smith, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Jakob Smith, Surgical Technology; Katy-Lynn Ashley Snyder, Associate in Arts; Tiffany Raynelle Speer, Associate in Arts; Jeffrey Michael Stamey, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Zachary Allen Stevens, University Studies; Ashley Elizabeth Stimens, Veterinary Technology; Alana Makel Stone, Nursing; Dillon Mack Stovall, Technical Operators I; Kendal Hope Sugden, Nursing; Edgar Enrique Taylor, Mechatronics Technology; Yuniqua Keanna Thompson, Associate in Arts; Michelle Emily Thrasher, Associate in Science; Madison Lynn Timms, Early Care and Education; Zachery Orion Timms, Technical Operators I; Brittany C. Tipton, Business Administration; Wyatt Michael Todd, University Studies; Steven Tran, University Studies; Julia Marie Trutwin, Veterinary Technology; Hannah Maree Vickery, Associate in Arts; Morgan McClain Waldrop, Nursing; Ethan Louis Walker, Associate in Arts; Stelen Watkins, Mechatronics Technology; Regan Watts, University Studies; Morgan Butler Webb, Nursing; Morgan Elizabeth Wendt, Practical Nursing; Cory A. Wheeler, Mechatronics Technology; Levi David Whitfield, Technical Operators I; Leala Sheree Wiles, Administrative Office Technology; Christian Gage Williams, Mechatronics Technology; Hillary Shanice Williams, Practical Nursing; Melody Janine Williams, Personal Care Aide; Taylor Marie Williams, Practical Nursing; Weslee Norris Williams, Technical Operators I; Bailee Ann Williamson, Nursing; Caelyn Mari Wilson, Associate in Science; Cassidy Brianne Wilson, Nursing; and Thomas John Wurst, III, Mechatronics Technology From Belton: Gerek Richard Acker, SMA Structural Welding; Kathryn G. Barnes, University Studies; Dulce Janet Benitez, Business Administration; Kristie L. Blackwell, Associate in Science; Jackson Darby Bryant, Mechatronics Technology; Jessica Leigh Burdette, University Studies; Logan Scott Burgess, Technical Operators I; Malik Nasir Calhoun, Technical Operators I; Riley A. Devall, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Kathryn Mykal Drake, University Studies; Camden Richard Frailey, Mechatronics Technology; Haley Erin Gravina, University Studies; Julianne Elizabeth Hatchett, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Jason Dean Hawkins, Mechatronics Technology; Jamie Elizabeth Holliday, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Sarah Gracelynn Thornwell Hooper, University Studies; Harley Marie Johnson, University Studies; Collin Timothy Mullen, Mechatronics Technology; Philip Vladimir Pakhnyuk, Mechatronics Technology; Savannah Grace Porter, Technical Operators I; Dominica Michelle Rider, Practical Nursing; Hunter Ray Saville, Technical Operators I; Daken LaShon Swinger, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; William Dale Tench, Mechatronics Technology; and Quawonicka S. Thompson, Associate in Science This press release was produced by the Tri-County Technical College. The views expressed here are the author's own.