Emily Rivera, Northampton Community College (NCC) interior design student, had an arduous road to earning her degree. Growing up in New York City, Rivera faced challenges early on, dropping out of high school after attending for only three months. She navigated life as a foster child and then as a runaway for most of her youth. Despite the odds stacked against her, she never lost sight of her dreams. At 18 years old, she moved to Pennsylvania for a fresh start, seizing the chance to turn her life around.
NCC became a pivotal part of Rivera's journey. The college provided her with the opportunity to obtain her GED and allowed her to discover her passion for interior design. The convenience of NCC's program offerings, particularly the evening classes, allowed her to balance her full-time job while pursuing her education.
“The inclusive environment at NCC, coupled with dedicated professors who deeply care about their students' learning experiences, helped me overcome my initial intimidation about returning to education as a 34-year-old student,” says Rivera.
Despite feeling behind due to her unconventional educational path, Rivera found her confidence through her studies. She sees interior design as a means to express her creativity and bring beauty into people's lives. Her goal is to build a lucrative career in the field, leveraging her unique perspective and life experiences to make a mark in the industry.
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
610.861.5300
