Making Time Count

Making Time Count: Turning Purpose Into Impact

When opportunity meets determination, a second chance can turn into something greater than imagined.

A second chance isn’t just about starting over.

It’s about what you choose to do with it.

For one Carteret Community College student Matt Berthold, that choice became a commitment—not just to rebuild his own life, but to help others do the same.

“Do not count time—make time count.”

From Recovery to Opportunity

Before stepping into the Human Services program at Carteret, he was already working to rebuild his life.

He had recently earned his GED through the college and was beginning his recovery journey, becoming a certified peer support specialist with just a year and a half of sobriety behind him.

Today, that story looks very different.

He is now four years into long-term recovery—a husband, a father, and has regained custody of his 17-year-old, who is now also participating in the youth WIOA program.

But the road to stability came with real challenges.

At the time, he was navigating life with an ankle monitor and more than two years of supervised probation.

“Those were real barriers,” he said. “But today, I’ve completed all my legal obligations with flying colors.”

Like many re-entry students, he didn’t initially see college as an option.

“Money, time, and my background,” he said, describing what held him back.

That changed when Liz Hubbard, NCWorks Re-entry Case Manager, asked him a question that shifted everything:

“Why are you not pursuing education in a field you are already succeeding in?”

With support from the WIOA program, the barriers that once felt permanent began to fall away.

“She assured me there was help with WIOA and college—and she was right.”

What followed was more than enrollment.

It was a decision to move forward with purpose.

Exceeding Expectations

What started as a simple goal—to pass his classes and gain credentials—quickly became something much bigger.

“I never would have imagined how successful my time at CCC would blossom.”

He didn’t just succeed.

He excelled.

• President’s List (multiple semesters)
• Vice President’s List
• Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Societies
• Earned multiple certificates with honors
• Named 2025 Outstanding Student of the Year (Human Services Technology)

The moment everything shifted came during a major milestone.

“Being awarded the 2025 Social and Human Services Award with straight A’s and a 4.0 GPA—that’s when I knew I could really do this.”

But for him, success wasn’t just about grades.

It was about growth.

“My education has helped shape my future outlook with faith and confidence to help others like myself succeed.”

Purpose in Action

Today, his education is not something he’s working toward—it’s something he’s already living.

He serves as a Substance Abuse Treatment Class Instructor at Southeastern Integrated Care while completing his Clinical Supervision Internship through Carteret Community College.

He also holds multiple certifications and leads programs that directly impact others in recovery and re-entry, including mental health training, crisis intervention, and substance use support.

“I am already putting this education into practice.”

His work extends beyond the classroom.

He serves on the Carteret County Re-entry Council and has spent years working with individuals in jails, detox centers, and prisons across Eastern North Carolina.

His mission is clear:

“This field helped me change my life—and I want to pay it forward.”

Behind that success is a strong support system.

Through programs like NCWorks, WIOA, TRIO, scholarships, and grant assistance, Carteret Community College provided the resources needed to succeed—not just for him, but for his family.

“CCC has supported me with services that helped me grow while supporting my family.”

He also credits the people who stood beside him along the way.

“They encouraged me to not give up and helped me and my family while celebrating every success I thought was not possible.”

More Than a Second Chance

This journey has required balance, discipline, and faith.

Marriage, children, work, school, internship, and recovery—all at once.

“It has been a lot—but all blessings I would not change for anything.”

Looking ahead, his goals continue to grow.

He plans to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work or substance abuse counseling, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical professional.

But for him, success is about more than credentials.

It’s about impact.

“I hope to make a difference in my community by instilling hope and inspiration.”

His message to others is simple:

“It is never too late to grow and change.”

And his advice is even stronger:

“Never stop fighting the stigma. Feed the part of you that strives to break barriers.”

Because at Carteret Community College, that belief is real.

“CCC really cares about helping anyone who is willing to change and grow—regardless of your background.”

For more information about NCWorks or WIOA please visit our website at carteret.edu.