More than 800 CFCC students graduate | News

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Students from Cape Fear Community College are celebrating Friday night after more than 800 of them graduated with his or her associate's degree or GED.

One of those graduates, Melissa Torres, is a single mother of four.

Smiling from ear to ear, Torres walked down the aisle at CFCC to receive her degree.

Torres moved from Texas to Wilmington last year with her children. She's been struggling to make ends meet, juggling her time between schoolwork and taking care of her kids.

Friday, Torres walked away with her adult high school GED and a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistance license.

Torres says it's been hard work, but she's happy with what she's accomplished so far.

She plans on becoming a technical surgeon, so she will be back at school in the fall to earn another degree.

Torres said she's glad that she can serve as a role model for her children.

"I always tell them they have to finish school, and at some point, I had to stop telling them until I finished a part of school, and now they're like: ‘Ok, Mom's good; now we can do it,'" said Torres.

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