I come from a small town in between western and piedmont North Carolina. In between Hickory and Shelby. In between the older generations yes ma'am and no ma’am’s and the younger generation’s social expectations. A town where we don’t knock on our neighbors’ doors with a gift basket but ask how their momma is when spotted at the local Dollar General. I come from mom’s house throughout the week, and dad’s on the weekends. I come from a world that so so many of my students do. Being from a rural community and also as a first generation college student, I saw college as my out.
When I first applied to the Appalachian College Advising Corps, I didn’t exactly know what I was getting into. When they asked how I would feel about working at Burns High School, in Lawndale North Carolina, I felt my heart drop to my stomach. I was excited, intimidated, and nervous all at the same time. I immediately said yes; however, I was afraid everyone here would look at me as the same Emma I was at 17 years old.
See, I went to high school here, graduating class of 2019. When I left Lawndale, and went off to college, I felt exhilarated. I was happy to be out of the little town, without even a stop light, excited to meet different people, have more food choices, and finally, not have someone know my dad every time I walked in somewhere. App State opened my eyes to so many different opportunities, mindsets, and overall ways of thinking. This is where I learned to appreciate new beliefs and cultures but also the same ones I rejected for eighteen years of my life. As a first generation college student, it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I was so terrified of letting my family down, and most importantly, being in student debt with no degree to show for it. Going into college, I knew I had the support of teachers, counselors, coaches, and the people who make Burns High School what it is. My first week here when an old teacher of mine passed me in the halls and said, “Welcome Home,” I knew I was where God intended me to be.
At Burns High School, there is a culture like no other. I have worked and served in many high schools around Western North Carolina during my time as an History Education major. I may be biased, but at Burns High School, it feels like everyone in this building has the same common goal: Student Success. The amount of support students have around them is astronomical.The support for college degree seeking, trade school, blue collar workforce, and community college students feels like a dream. A part of me was wondering what I was even doing here at first because they seemed to have the post-secondary plans handled. However, my first day here and every day after that, I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged.
I can confidently say at Burns High School, if you share the same goal of Student Success, you will be welcomed with open arms. When I am asked why I choose this career, I always answer with, “I love being the person that I needed in high school.” The common misconception is that the majority of families have “cookie cutter” households, with a traditional mom and dad in the home. That is not the case, at least not for this end of Cleveland County, and not the case for me. I have experience not fitting into a box, and that’s why I am here. I have a passion for students who do not fit into the cookie cutter image; they deserve the same chance anyone does. Regardless of what God has in store for me after my service term, I know I will leave this place with my heart full, and tears in my eyes. I feel so incredibly blessed to be working with students at Burns High School, back in my hometown of Lawndale. I am home.
Written by Emma Wright-Lail, Appalachian College Advising Corps, Burns High School.
Emma pictured with her parents after her high school and college graduations.
Emma Wright-Lail, Adviser at Burns High School
Emma Wright-Lail, Adviser at Burns High School