Each year, thousands of students attend Catawba Valley Community College, pursuing programs that range from nursing to welding. Some are working toward transfer degrees to attend a four-year university, while others are here only for a few weeks to take a continuing education course, such as phlebotomy.  

Most go on to enter the workforce or continue their education elsewhere. But for Marcus Sigmon and Piper Strong, their paths led them back to where it all began. Marcus is an engineering technologies instructor, currently teaching hydraulics, SolidWorks, and mechanisms. Piper is an electrical instructor and is teaching diagrams and schematics, the National Electrical Code, and a safety class. 

Marcus’s story with CVCC began in 2019 as a freshman at Challenger Early College High School, located on CVCC’s main campus. There, he earned an associate’s degree in applied science in welding. Even with his welding skills, Marcus was interested in exploring a different field after high school.  

He continued his education at CVCC, studying engineering and mechatronics engineering technology. “I wanted to pivot into engineering. It was just a matter of choosing what kind of engineering to go into,” Marcus shared. “What I liked about the technology degree was how hands-on it was. I was working directly with the equipment and seeing how the parts worked.” 

Piper came to CVCC in her senior year of high school as a Career and College Promise student. After graduating from high school, she continued her education at CVCC, earning an associate’s degree in electrical and industrial systems technology.  

She always wanted to learn a trade after seeing her older brother have a successful career in the industry. At first, she wanted to study electrical engineering, but realized that she enjoyed the hands-on electrical work.  

During their time at CVCC Piper and Marcus were involved in the SkillsUSA Chapter at CVCC and competed at the national conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2025. While in SkillsUSA, they did a toy and book drive in response to Hurricane Helene.  

“We worked together to set up drives in every building on campus. We got tons of donations for kids who might not get toys that year for Christmas because they were affected by the hurricane.” Marcus shared. “It was really heartwarming.”  

They both graduated from CVCC in May 2025 and entered the workforce. A few months later, opportunities opened up at the college. “I always thought it would be cool to teach someday, but I imagined that happening much later in life. This wasn’t the path I expected, but I’m really excited to be here,” Piper shared.  

For Marcus, his return to CVCC has felt like a homecoming. “After graduating high school, it felt like a no-brainer to stay here and continue with engineering. Having been here for seven years, it really does feel like home, and I can’t imagine going anywhere else,” he shared.  

Starting a new job can be intimidating for anyone, and for Piper and Marcus, it’s no different. Although experts in their subjects, they are new to teaching. “I was really nervous at first, which made me a little hesitant. But I was excited to give back the way my instructors gave to me. I know the material, and being able to deliver it to students has been really rewarding,” Marcus shared.  

“It was a little odd at first. But as they engaged, I felt confident, and seeing their trust makes this work so rewarding.” Piper shared. “Once students trust you, they realize you do know the material and that what you’re teaching matters.” 

Both were supported by instructors during their time as students, who shaped their values as instructors now. “As a student, I had incredible support from my instructors, advisors, and the dean of Career and Technical Education,” Piper shared. “They were committed to helping us succeed and plan for life after graduation. Seeing that support made me want to do the same for others.” 

As an instructor, Piper not only brings a wealth of knowledge, but she also serves as an example for women entering the trades. In an industry where only about 2-4 percent of electricians are women, her presence as an instructor can help younger women feel more confident pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field.  

For young women considering the field, she shares this advice: “I think the biggest thing is not to be afraid to try something new. There are so many opportunities out there, and if you never take that step because you’re afraid, you’ll never see what could have happened. I was really nervous about trying something different, but I did it and ended up loving it.”  

They are both contributing to the learning environment that they once thrived in. “As a student, I never had problems approaching other students, whether in the same program or different programs, and making friends. Now, as a faculty member, it’s the same. I can easily approach other instructors and have a conversation. Everyone is friendly and kind, and it’s just a great environment to be in.” 

For Piper, it is no different: “Everyone wants students to learn. The equipment we have is top-tier and very user-friendly, making it perfect for hands-on learning. Being able to see the classrooms and all the equipment through the glass walls in the Workforce Solutions building is amazing, and it’s great that CVCC has the resources to provide that.”   

For both Marcus and Piper, their journey has come full circle. They’re not only teaching the skills they once learned, but they’re also shaping the next generation. 

They reflect the community, opportunity, and encouragement that make CVCC more than a college, but a place where students can grow, succeed, and, sometimes, return home.