From JCC to UNCW: How One Student Found His Passion and His Path

When Gideon Davis enrolled at Johnston Community College, he came in with a clear goal in mind. Gideon was determined to earn his associates degree debt-free from JCC before transferring to a four-year university. 

That determination, paired with the support of JCC's Access to Achievement (A2A) and TRIO programs, made all the difference. 

Access to Achievement is designed to enhance educational and vocational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through personalized check-ins, academic guidance, campus connections, and employment support, the program helps students build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. TRIO also provides personalized support, academic coaching, and an overall welcoming environment focused on student success. 

From his very first semester, JCC staff checked in regularly with Gideon, connecting him with the resources he needed to succeed.  

"Every time I visited them, I got even more confident," Gideon said. "They made sure I was on the right track and check to see if I need any support.” 

No one made a bigger impression on Gideon than his A2A mentor, Logan Runyon, who became a steady, encouraging presence. He was someone Gideon could talk to about career goals, new developments, and the road ahead. The support Logan shared pushed Gideon to keep striving, even when things got hard. 

The constant encouragement that Gideon received was reflected in the classroom. Gideon learned to balance a busy schedule of coursework, studying, and work shifts, developing time management habits that strengthened his grades and his sense of independence 

"I'm proud of my improved grades and organization," he says. "Due to how much I've matured and focused on my schoolwork, I've gained so much thought into how I plan accordingly." 

And somewhere in the middle of all that growth, Gideon found his passion. 

In fall 2023, he unsure of which career path was the best fit for him. Then, something clicked. He had long been fascinated by filmmaker John Carpenter for his ability to do all the writing, directing, and composing of music for his films. That kind of creativity inspired Gideon to think bigger. By spring 2024, he had set his sights on becoming a filmmaker himself. 

Gideon graduated from JCC in May of 2026 and is transferring to the University of North Carolina Wilmington to major in Film Studies — debt-free, just as he planned. He hopes to become a film producer or director, creating stories that send meaningful messages and leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere. 

For Gideon, graduating from JCC is just the beginning of his story. With a passion for film, a solid plan in place, and the confidence he built at JCC, this future filmmaker is more than ready for the next chapter.