When Zeynepgul arrived at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), she was determined to find her path forward. Having moved from China to the United States at age 14, she knew what it meant to adapt, persevere, and start anew. At NOVA, she discovered not only a place to learn but also a community that helped her uncover her passion for geography and technology.

After graduating from Oakton High School. NOVA provided an affordable and accessible starting point. “NOVA gave me the opportunity to explore different fields and figure out what I truly wanted to do,” she recalls. “It allowed me to build confidence in my abilities and take my education one step at a time.”

At the Annandale Campus, Zeynepgul earned her associate’s degree in social sciences with a concentration in geospatial studies. She completed her GIS coursework at the Loudoun Campus, where she developed a deep interest in how geographic information systems can shape real-world solutions, from optimizing transportation routes to visualizing data for decision-making.

Her academic journey wasn’t without challenges. Like many college students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, Zeynepgul faced uncertainty about her major and career direction. “There were moments when I questioned if I could finish,” she says. “But NOVA taught me to stay focused, set goals, and keep moving forward.”

That determination led her to George Washington University, where she is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a concentration in GIS technology and a minor in Geographic Information Systems. Her goal is to use mapping and data visualization to make a difference in communities and the environment.

Reflecting on her time at NOVA, Zeynepgul credits the college’s supportive environment and diversity for shaping her success. “At NOVA, I met people from so many different backgrounds and life experiences,” she says. “I learned me to see the world through new perspectives and appreciate the power of community.”

Zeynepgul encourages other students to consider NOVA as a foundation for their own journeys. “If you’re not sure what you want to study, NOVA is the perfect place to start,” she advises. “It’s affordable, welcoming, and full of opportunities to grow.”

She also emphasizes how donor support plays a crucial role in student success. “Scholarships and financial aid make a real difference,” she says. “They open doors for students who might otherwise have to give up on their education. Every contribution helps someone take the next step toward their dreams.”

Thanks to her experiences at NOVA, Zeynepgul is now confidently pursuing her goals at George Washington University, proof that with the right support and determination, students can turn opportunity into achievement.

To empower bright futures for students please click here.

To join the NOVA Foundation Alumni and Friends Network, please click here.