An Aiken Technical College student has recently celebrated winning a national essay contest by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).
Known as one of the country’s leading providers for professional development, NISOD annually hosts an excellence awards dinner and celebration to showcase the 2024 winners of the Scott Wright Student Essay Contest, which asks students to write about a administrator, staff or faculty member who help them achieve their educational goals.
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With more than 150 entries, Mickyzjha Moore – an early childhood education student – was one of three national winners of the $1,000 contest and accepted her award during the NISOD’s international conference in Austin, Texas.
“It was a wonderful experience and I am glad to have won the Scott Wright Student Essay Contest this year,” Moore said. “Reading my essay at the excellence dinner was a great honor as well as representing Aiken Technical College with pride. I cannot express gratitude enough.”
According to a press release from Aiken Tech, Moore’s winning essay, “The Nonlinear Path,” was a testament to her resilience and determination helped along by encouragement from an Aiken Tech instructor.
“It delves into her journey of battling mental health and depression, a story that is sure to inspire others,” stated the press release.
In light of her accomplishment, Moore thanked Aiken Tech early childhood education instructor Lynda Altman and Patsy Fields, the college’s NISOD representative, who both accompanied the winner to the International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in late May.
“I know I can succeed in my courses because Mrs. Altman has always believed in me. I am diligent in my studies because of the guidance she gives me,” Moore said.
From Altman’s support, Moore said she transitioned from being a college dropout to a dedicated academic student, who maintained a high GPA and was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa – an international college honor’s society with more than 3.5 million members.
“I could not have accomplished that if [Altman] had not encouraged me to continue attending college,” she said. “Although my academic journey has not been linear, because of Mrs. Altman, I am on the path to graduation.”
Altman’s knowledge of early childhood education theorists “ignited a motivation” for Moore to learn more about the inner workings of children’s minds, which led to her choosing a career path in education psychology.
“Through honesty, I could speak with my academic advisor and early childhood education instructor, Altman, about my insecurities,” Moore said. “Her advice and guidance have been instrumental in helping me continue my education at Aiken Technical College.”
An organization dedicated to empowering community and technical college faculty, administrators and staff, NISOD constantly seeks to foster professional growth, strive for excellence, make a significant impact and gain recognition.
By building trust and forming a bond with Altman, Moore has heavily demonstrated the success of NISOD as she succeeds in her studies.
For more information on Aiken Technical College’s early education program, visit: https://www.atc.edu/Study/Programs-of-Study
