William Bettes has admirable public service aspirations, and he's wisely using his time at JCCC to help achieve those dreams.

Bettes, a student in the JCCC liberal arts program, is positioning himself inside and outside the classroom for a successful transfer to a four-year school to study political science and eventual receive a master's degree in public administration.

"After college, I would like to work for state or local government," Bettes said. "I'm really interested in providing service that meets the everyday needs of citizens. I follow politics closely, as anyone who knows me could tell you."

But, surprisingly, public service hasn't always been top of mind for Bettes.

"Coming to JCCC has really helped bring me out of my shell," he said. "From my part-time job in the Center for Student Involvement and position as Student Senate secretary to previous position as captain for the Academic Excellence Challenge Team and interpersonal communications project work in the Honors Program, my career focus easily shifted to public service."

Bettes' involvement in extracurricular activities as a JCCC student helps him with time management, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. All things, he said, needed for a successful public service career.

"My campus involvement allows me to meet people of all walks of life," Bettes said. "Juggling all my activities also improves my time management skills that I will use in my career. I really feel that all that I am doing at JCCC is getting me prepared for eventually serving people throughout the community."

This 25-year-old student is grateful that JCCC's emphasis is on students and helping each one succeed.

"JCCC offers many resources for students," he noted. "For me, I used the Writing Center to support my interest in interpersonal communications but I also benefited from assistance I received in the Math Resource Center, which isn't my strongest subject. "

All JCCC student resources, Bettes said, help round out the educational experience for students who take advantage of them.

"I can personally attest that you'll find resources that build on your strengths but you can also find resources that lift up your weaknesses," he noted.