When Rodney Mills was a senior in high school trying to decide what to do with his life, he was told by a high school counselor that he was not college material – “not even for PH” (Patrick Henry Community College).  Instead, he was told, he should join the military.  And he did, but he didn’t stick with the Marines.  Instead,  he ended up working a factory job in order to support his young family.

But Mills never let go of the idea that he could do something with his life and in 2003 he defied the old high school advice and enrolled at PHCC.

Once on campus, Mills – a quiet, retiring young man – began to blossom. With the support of the faculty and staff he began to assume leadership roles in student activities, apply himself in the classroom, and insert his dreams into his plans.

Mills graduated cum laude with an associate degree in general studies.  He has been accepted as a junior at Virginia’s most prestigious senior institution – the University of Virginia where he will continue to pursue his career goal. That goal, to no one’s surprise at PHCC, is to become a guidance counselor.

 “Community college should not be taken lightly,” Mills notes.  “Not only will students continue their education, but also community college is a gateway to achieving dreams.”