From Exploration
To Excellence

Lillian Green’s Pathway to Success at Carteret Community College

From exploring her interests to earning academic honors and securing guaranteed transfer admission, Lillian Green’s experience at Carteret reflects the power of a supportive college community.

For Lillian “Lily” Green, college was never about rushing into a decision—it was about discovering the right direction. A Morehead City native and graduate of West Carteret High School, Lillian chose Carteret Community College as a place to explore her interests, grow academically, and build a strong foundation for the future. Along the way, she not only found clarity—but excelled.

Now preparing to graduate in May 2026 with an Associate in Arts degree, Lillian maintains an impressive 3.8 GPA, has earned Academic Excellence recognition, and has been accepted to UNC Wilmington, where she will continue her education through a guaranteed transfer pathway.

Finding Direction at Carteret

After graduating high school in 2024, Lillian entered college without a clear plan—and that uncertainty became one of her greatest strengths.

“I knew that attending Carteret for two years would give me time to take classes I was interested in and adjust my plans without the pressure of going straight to a four-year university,” she shared.

Drawn by Carteret’s waterfront campus, flexible programs, and supportive environment, Lillian quickly found that the college offered exactly what she needed: room to grow, guidance to succeed, and encouragement at every step.

While attending Carteret, she balanced coursework with working at Mary Cheatham King Real Estate and stayed actively involved on campus and in the community.

Experiencing Transfer Pathways Firsthand

Lillian’s academic journey included participation in C-STEP, Carteret’s partnership program designed to support students interested in transferring to UNC–Chapel Hill. Through the program, she gained early exposure to university life, participated in campus visits, and worked closely with advisors to understand transfer expectations.

“In C-STEP, my advisor, Mr. Bochnovic, was very intentional about getting us on UNC–Chapel Hill’s campus,” she said. “Those visits helped me understand what I did and didn’t want in a university.”

Although Lillian ultimately chose a different transfer path, she credits C-STEP with helping her make an informed decision.

“That experience played a huge role in helping me decide which university was right for me.”

She later transitioned into UNCW’s PathWays Program, an exclusive guaranteed transfer opportunity for Carteret students completing eligible associate degrees. Through PathWays, Lillian has secured admission to UNCW, where she will transfer in Fall 2026.

Academic Excellence Recognized

Lillian’s dedication to her studies has not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of an Academic Excellence Award, a distinction that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, high performance standards, and exceptional commitment to learning. These honors—such as those awarded through the North Carolina Community College System—typically require strong GPAs, faculty nomination, and consistent academic excellence.

Her professors describe her as a standout student across disciplines.

Faculty in English and Communications praised her exceptional writing ability, work ethic, and willingness to seek feedback—so much so that several of her papers are now used as examples for future students. In mathematics and science courses, instructors noted her leadership, preparedness, and ability to support classmates while maintaining high academic standards.

Across the board, faculty agree: Lillian represents Carteret Community College with professionalism, curiosity, and integrity.

Supported by Advising and Community

Lillian credits much of her success to the strong advising support she received at Carteret.

“My advisors, Mr. and Mrs. Bochnovic, have been my rocks,” she said. “They truly care about their students and their futures.”

 From course planning and registration to transfer logistics, advising provided clarity and reassurance throughout her time at Carteret. She also frequently utilized the campus library, which became her go-to space for studying and group work.

Beyond academics, Lillian found community through involvement in the Students for Christ Club, where she connected with peers, mentors, and faculty who supported her personal and spiritual growth.

Preparing for What’s Next

After graduating from Carteret, Lillian will transfer to UNC Wilmington, where she plans to major in Information Technology. She intends to pursue UNCW’s 4+1 program, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems.

Reflecting on her journey, Lillian sees Carteret as the perfect launch point.

“Carteret allowed me to step out of my comfort zone at a slower pace,” she said. “I learned how to advocate for myself and build meaningful connections—skills I’ll carry with me into a larger university setting and beyond.”

A Model of Student Success

Lillian’s story reflects Carteret Community College’s commitment to student success at every stage—from exploration and academic achievement to confident transfer and continued excellence. Whether through C-STEP, PathWays, faculty mentorship, or campus involvement, Carteret provided the tools—and Lillian made the most of every opportunity.

Her advice to future students is simple and sincere:

“College is a wonderful chapter of your life. Don’t take it for granted.”

And for those considering Carteret?

“It’s the perfect place to experience college life, explore your options, and prepare for what’s next—without giving up where you are now.”

With academic distinction, clear direction, and a strong sense of purpose, Lillian Green exemplifies what it means to succeed at Carteret Community College—and beyond.

Interested in learning more about our UNCW PathWays program?
Contact Clay Bochnovic at claytona2771@carteret.edu or visit carteret.edu