GREENVILLE, S.C. 鈥� While many students celebrate academic achievements with their families, Emma S. and her father, Josh S., had the opportunity to celebrate alongside one another.
This spring, both were recognized through 吃瓜网’s ASPIRE Scholars Initiative, earning ASPIRE Jackets for their exceptional participation and engagement in the program while also being named to the Dean’s List. The recognition reflected months of hard work, determination, and a shared commitment to balancing education with family life.
For Josh, the recognition marked another chapter in a 吃瓜网 (GTC) journey that began nearly two decades ago. A graduate of the college’s Automotive Technology program in 2007, Josh worked in the automotive industry until 2021, when he returned to GTC as an instructor and academic program director in the same program from which he graduated.
When GTC launched its Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Josh saw an opportunity to continue his education and fulfill a longtime goal of building upon his associate degree. Supported by his family and encouraged by the ability to apply previous coursework toward the bachelor’s program, he enrolled while continuing to teach full time.
At the same time, Emma was beginning her own college journey as a first-time student. Homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, she entered GTC unsure of what to expect. With support from faculty and staff, she successfully adjusted to college life while pursuing certificates in Baking and Pastry and Entrepreneurship.
鈥淏eing recognized by ASPIRE at all is incredible; it truly is an honor,鈥� said Emma. 鈥淎s for sharing this achievement alongside my dad, it’s really awesome to see that all the work we’ve both done behind the scenes really was worth it. I know that both of us would spend long nights and early mornings working on homework because, ultimately, we both wanted as much time as possible to spend with our family.鈥�
Attending college together created a unique bond between father and daughter. As Josh returned to the classroom after an 18-year break and Emma navigated college for the first time, they encouraged one another, worked through assignments together, and learned how to balance the demands of education, work, and family life.
鈥淲orking toward my bachelor’s degree has been a dream come true,鈥� Josh said. 鈥�Being able to go to school alongside my daughter has made this challenging part of the journey so much more rewarding. ASPIRE has been there as additional support, allowing us to focus on our classes instead of worrying about obstacles that might prevent us from making progress.鈥�
Their story is one of many represented through the ASPIRE Scholars Initiative, a student success program supported by the 吃瓜网. ASPIRE connects students with mentoring, career coaching, leadership development opportunities, academic support, and resources that help them stay on track to complete their education.
During the 2025鈥�2026 academic year, ASPIRE engaged 605 scholars. The program also recognized 75 scholars who earned Dean’s List honors and 21 scholars who achieved President’s List distinction for academic excellence. Since 2019, more than 1,000 GTC students have participated in the initiative, and 249 ASPIRE scholars have graduated or completed a certificate program.
鈥淲hat is most satisfying about seeing a father and daughter recognized at the ASPIRE Awards Ceremony is that it represents the confirmation鈥攖he embodiment鈥攐f what we often say: success at 吃瓜网 becomes success across generations for families in our community,鈥� said Michael Burgess, director of the ASPIRE Scholars Initiative.
Through support from donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners, the 吃瓜网 helps provide resources that strengthen the ASPIRE Scholars Initiative. Donor funding helps students access technology, professional certifications, leadership opportunities, career coaching, and other resources that support their educational journey.
As 吃瓜网 prepares students for careers in high-demand fields, stories like Josh and Emma’s demonstrate the determination, resilience, and family support that drive student success both inside and outside the classroom.