I had the pleasure of interviewing Mckayla Robinette. She was part of NECP’s first graduating class in 2017 and has done quite well for herself since then. Graduating from Brevard College in 2020, she received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, and Pre-Law. In 2022, she completed her Master of Science in Rural Sociology from Auburn University. She is now working on completing her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University. Currently, she works for the North Carolina Agramedicine Institute as the Resource Specialist for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network of North Carolina. Her responsibilities include connecting people in agriculture to resources that can help improve their way of life, such as mental health education and support, legal and financial details, as well as introducing these people to other agricultural professionals and organizations. When asked if NECP did an adequate job of preparing her for college and the real world, Robinette expressed that the school did a great job. An upside was since she mainly took AP and dual-enrolled courses, the courses transferred to her undergraduate program, thus having fewer classes to take when she reached college.
A course that really helped her was AP US History. Robinette explained the class pushed her to learn new study methods, time management skills, and critical thinking. “I am glad I learned those skills early on since many of my college friends struggled to adjust,” commented Robinette. However, the past student did say she was a bit jealous of the current NECP students who attend trade courses like welding and autobody since she did not have those opportunities.
Robinette has done her fair share of traveling, visiting 43 states, working summer internships in Nebraska and Washington DC, completing her master's degree in Alabama, and traveling to Canada, Greece, and the Bahamas. “I highly recommend traveling as much as possible!” Robinette excitedly replied. She described the experiences as making her a more self-confident and independent person because she could not rely on others to make her decisions. A way she cut down costs on traveling in college was by applying to educational grants offered by her college that covered airfare and hotels to not be stifled by financial barriers. Finally, when asked if she had any advice for current NECP students, Robinette replied, “Do it…whatever “it” looks like. No one should let rejection or self-doubt hold them back from reaching their goals.” She explained that everything she has achieved these past years started with: “I’ll apply and see what happens.” As of now, Mrs. Robinette, a graduate of North East Carolina Prep, has no regrets.
- By Diana Lopez