By Kennedy McCrea, CCTL Early College Student
EDITORS NOTE: Kennedy McCrea is a sophomore at Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership (CCTL) Early College. Her brother, Parker, is a senior at Mooresville High School. The siblings attended several “Try It Tuesday” career exploration sessions during the summer of 2026, along with our Iredell Crosby Scholars college tours of Duke University and Guilford College.
Kennedy relays those experiences, and the benefits they provided for her and Parker. Enjoy!
Over the summer, Crosby Scholars allowed me to explore different career paths, gain new skills, and even tour two amazing college campuses. In particular, I thoroughly enjoyed the “Try It Tuesday” events. They were extremely well-organized and opened my mind to career opportunities that I never considered before.
One of my favorite “Try It Tuesdays” was a collaboration with the City of Statesville, highlighting careers in travel and tourism. For a few hours, a group of other Crosby Scholars and I were given the chance to learn about the popularity of tourism in downtown Statesville and how it is managed. It was a great opportunity to hear the unique advice and perspectives of local business owners and workers. In a few hours, I learned valuable information that I never would have thought to explore on my own.
I attended many of these “Try It Tuesday” outings throughout the summer, each highlighting a unique business and the necessary skills for success in that industry. These events have not only benefited me, but also others around me. My brother, Parker, a Crosby Scholars senior, attended with me. The presentations on Graphic Design/Information Technology and Mental Fitness were his favorites. The interactive Mental Fitness event gave participants the opportunity to have their brains scanned, along with activities to better understand how the mind works. Those few hours flew by, with such a unique and organized activity.
Moments like these really make Crosby Scholars stand out to me. The program offers events for students to explore numerous career paths, regardless of their school, grade or age. Each time I leave a Crosby event, I find myself more excited for the future and happier knowing that Crosby has tools available to research any path I choose.
This summer I was also able to tour Duke University and Guilford Technical Community College. I was able to speak with students and see glimpses of college life. It was extremely informative and well-organized, and seeing the campus for myself provided a unique insight. This experience was even more valuable as someone who isn’t sure what college to attend in the future. Having toured these schools with a well-prepared organization, I feel comforted, knowing that I have a better idea of what to search for in the future.
This year, I am a sophomore at the Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership (CCTL). Crosby Scholars has already been a very helpful asset to keep me informed and prepared, with opportunities to explore the options and various paths available to me. Since my school is a mix between high school and college, it is reassuring to know, as I embark upon my academic journey, that Crosby Scholars is taking the journey with me.
Usually, summertime academic or volunteer activities can seem boring or a waste of time. When it comes to Crosby Scholars events, however, they make it fun and engaging, offering hands-on experiences that provide insights like no other.
