Humanitarianism is a passion for Gaston College student Misty Long
Misty Long, a student in the Arts and Sciences program at Gaston College, intends to build a career based on her passion for humankind. A single mother of three, she works part-time, attends classes, and finds the time to volunteer in her community.
Misty Long, is in Arts and Sciences major at Gaston College with a concentration in Psychology. She will start online classes this fall on Thursday, August 20. Ms. Long will graduate in 2020 and plans to transfer to UNC-Charlotte to earn a bachelor’s degree. She also wants to start her own non-profit organization for humanity.
Long enrolled at Gaston College in the 2017/2018 school year, following a family tradition of attending the College. With a concentration in Psychology, she will graduate in 2022 with an Associate in Science degree, and she plans to transfer to UNC-Charlotte to earn her bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services. “My goal is to obtain a degree where I can assist individuals with health and nutrition,” she said. “Unfortunately, this is sometimes sadly affected by families’ struggles with financial means.”
Although Long is currently employed part-time at the Dowd YMCA of Charlotte, where she works in Sales and Service at the Pro Shop, she is no stranger to financial difficulties as she has experienced a layoff at work. However, her positive attitude has helped her cope with challenges. “As a single mother I face many obstacles and detours in life, as most single parents do,” she said. “These include juggling work, homelife, school with my son, college for myself, caring for my mother and keeping an active lifestyle for my child and myself.” In addition to her 12-year-old son, Long has a 25-year-old son and a 27-year-old daughter.
“As a student, I’ve tackled long hours of early mornings and late nights to complete my schoolwork as well as home schooling my son,” said Long. “As many have endured, I’ve had internet issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we’ve been blessed as always. I’ve had to tap into my creative mindset as a parent and have focused on keeping active and healthy lifestyles with activities and nutrition during this trying time in our lives.”
Despite her responsibilities as a parent and a student, Long makes volunteering a priority. At Gaston College she is involved with TRiO Student Support Services and with Gamma Beta Phi, and she was chosen to work with Governor Roy Cooper’s program on Finish Line grants and was instrumental in having the program extended for a second term. Among other volunteer activities in the community, Long has helped raise awareness for the Gaston College food bank, has participated in a door-to-door drive to raise food for a YMCA summer camp, has participated in a Habitat for Humanity project and a Cramerton Catawba River Basin clean sweep, and hopes to partner with American Youth Foundation, which gives children the opportunity to be involved with sports.
Long’s humanitarianism is inspired by her strong faith. “My genuine desire to help improve the health, safety and wellness of others, one person at a time, is guided by my passion for humankind, and I owe it all to God,” she said. “God has a purpose-driven life and plan for us all, if we can only take the time to see it. This is mine. If you love God, love and honor your family, and follow the path that you know is correct, then you can be truly happy. It’s that simple. Stay positive and healthy with the right mindset and it will all work out in the end.”
