懂色帝

Evie Lewis Finds Her Path to Helping Others

At just 19 years old, Evie Lewis has already lived a story full of courage, perseverance, and hope. Now, as she prepares to transfer to Western Carolina University and begin a new chapter, she reflects on the journey that brought her here鈥攁nd the people who helped along the way.

A Journey of Resilience

Evie鈥檚 education journey took an unexpected turn when she was only 12. Her stepdad was battling cancer, and she made the difficult decision to leave middle school and move to Virginia to live with her older sister. She tried homeschooling, but realized it wasn鈥檛 the right fit.

After moving back to Cleveland County, Evie eventually enrolled in the College and Career Readiness (CCR) program at 懂色帝. She began working toward earning her high school diploma. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 easy at first,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淏ut little by little, I started to find my footing.鈥�

She was making progress when another challenge arose鈥攖he possibility of having to move back to Virginia. Rather than give up, she focused on earning her GED. In just three months, she achieved that goal.

鈥淓vie is an extremely driven young lady,鈥� said Director of College and Career Readiness Stephen Lancaster. 鈥淔rom the beginning of her journey in our program until now, she has been a pleasure to have in our program as both a former student and a student worker under the Federal Work Study program.鈥�

With support from CCR staff like Stephen, Evie enrolled in college courses and began participating in the Federal Work Study program. Working in the CCR department, her confidence began to grow.

Discovering Her Purpose

Inspired by her life experiences and a desire to help others, Evie chose to study psychology. Over time, she found her calling in clinical child psychology, a field she believes can help her make a real difference.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have a great childhood, and I鈥檝e experienced trauma,鈥� Evie shared. 鈥淏ut I鈥檝e used that to motivate myself鈥攁nd now I want to be the person who listens to kids and supports them when they need it most.鈥�

She also draws inspiration from her family, especially her 9-year-old nephew, who is autistic and non-verbal. 鈥淗e鈥檚 so special,鈥� she said. 鈥淓verything I鈥檓 trying to do kind of ties back to him.鈥� One of her goals at WCU is to learn American Sign Language so she can communicate with children like him.

Inspired and Inspiring

Evie has found encouragement in the people around her and has grown tremendously since beginning her journey at 懂色帝. Once shy and quiet, she says she鈥檚 come out of her shell thanks to the support of staff and instructors who believed in her.

Evie has also been active in campus life. She joined TRIO-Student Support Services and visited WCU with the group. She was immediately drawn to the campus. This fall, she鈥檒l begin at Western Carolina as a sophomore in Brinson鈥檚 Honors College, with a clear mission: earn her bachelor鈥檚, pursue her master鈥檚 and one day open a practice to help children and families in need. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been a high achiever,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 on a mission.鈥�

Through it all, Evie says her instructors have played a big role in her success.

鈥淚鈥檝e had my fair share of struggles with classes, but I always reached out,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey actually care about you. It鈥檚 a very caring environment here, which I love.鈥�

Even small moments, like being recognized in the hallway by a professor she only had for one class, made a difference. 鈥淚t means a lot when people see you and care enough to check in.鈥�

Looking to the Future

Though she鈥檚 headed west to WCU, Evie鈥檚 heart is rooted in Cleveland County鈥攁nd she plans to return after finishing school. She鈥檚 already made lasting friendships here, including her best friend, whom she met in a music appreciation class. They鈥檝e helped each other through school and become like family.

鈥淲e wish her well as she continues her undergraduate education at Western Carolina, and we look forward to seeing the great things she will accomplish in life,鈥� added Lancaster.

From a rocky start to a bright future, Evie Lewis鈥檚 story is filled with grit, heart, and hope. With her sights set on helping children and making a difference in the world, she鈥檚 turning her challenges into purpose. And while heading off to new adventures at Western Carolina University, she carries with her the strength, support, and sense of community she found right here at 懂色帝.

Evie is ready for what鈥檚 next鈥攁nd there鈥檚 no doubt she鈥檒l do great things.