Pictured, left to right, are Macy Chastain, Michelle Chastain and Carly Chastain
When small business owner, Michelle Chastain, started taking classes at Cleveland State Community College in 2019, she didn’t realize that soon her two daughters would be joining her. Now, her 19-year-old daughter, Carly Chastain, just completed her first term in the Nursing Program, and her 18-year-old daughter, Macy Chastain, will start her final term as a Tennessee Valley Early College (TVEC) student in January. Macy will earn both her high school diploma and her associate degree in May 2023.
A nail technician for 25 years, Michelle owns Sahaira Salon in Collegedale.
Encouraged to apply for the Tennessee Reconnect scholarship by a family friend, Michelle takes the minimum two courses a term online as she balances family, work and college. Tennessee Reconnect provides college funding for qualified adults aged 23 years or older who have not completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Michelle has a successful business and loves what she does, but she is challenging herself as a college student. An accounting major, she said, “I’ve learned a lot for my business with Excel and payroll accounting. I chose to come back to college because there is so much that I could do online now. I don’t have to worry about my work schedule.”
Carly has a passion for nursing and caring for others. She began her journey in healthcare at Bradley Central High School, where she earned her certified nurse assistant license before graduating in 2021. Carly works at an assisted living facility while going to college. The CNA experience solidified her desire to pursue a nursing degree.
A Tennessee Promise student, Carly chose Cleveland State because of the new state-of-the-art nursing facility. Carly said, “Cleveland State has a great reputation in the community. I chose Cleveland State in high school by taking dual enrollment classes. The Health and Science Center is so nice with new nursing equipment, and it is also close to home, so I can be with my family.”
The youngest daughter, Macy, is a senior at Bradley Central High School and finishing her second year in the TVEC program. Like her mother, Macy is an accounting major. She enjoys the flexibility at Cleveland State and stays involved in high school with clubs and sports. She said, “I can take my classes online next semester, so I can work and play softball at Bradley Central.”
Her mother, Michelle, said, “TVEC is not for every student, but Macy has thrived in the college setting. She is very responsible with her time management; I feel like she will be ready when she goes off to college next year. When people ask me about the TVEC program from a parent’s perspective, I tell them it is not for every student. Some need the structure of being told what to do, but it has worked for Macy.”
What is next for this family? After graduating from high school and earning an associate degree in May 2023, Macy will transfer to Tennessee Wesleyan University and plans to earn a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree. She has already signed with their Lady Bulldog softball team.
Carly plans to graduate as a registered nurse in May 2024, then transfer to the University of Tennessee Chattanooga to complete the bridge program to earn her bachelor of science in nursing. Carly said, “I feel like Cleveland State is a good bridge between high school and a four-year university. The teachers here really do care about you and want what’s best for you.”
Michelle plans to graduate in May 2024 with an associate degree. She doesn’t plan to change her business, but she will be prepared for future opportunities. Michelle said, “I love what I do, but you never know where life will take you. I’ve enjoyed learning and being challenged. If someone my age wants to go back to school, my advice is to just jump in and go for it. There are so many resources at Cleveland State to get you the help you need.”