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Dwayne and Angel Long are both first generation college graduates. Angel remembers the challenges they encountered. “Dwayne and I both joined the Air Force in part to finance our education goals,” but it wasn’t easy. She adds, “We worked extremely hard to finance each of our education goals.”
Dwayne obtained a master’s degree while still serving in the military. Angel’s education journey took longer. Balancing her studies with the needs of three children, she ultimately earned bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and English Pedagogy. Her studies are ongoing. Angel is currently beginning a master’s program in English Literature.
The Longs moved to Southside Virginia seven years ago when Dwayne accepted a position at the Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative. He now serves as MEC’s Vice President of Information Technology and as Chief Technical Officer for Empower Broadband, MEC’s broadband subsidiary. Angel teaches English at Mecklenburg County High School.
As parents, the Longs made it a priority to convey their education values and love of learning to their children. They were intrigued by the reputation of the Governor’s School of Southside Virginia (GSSV) offered on Southside Virginia Community College’s two campuses. When their oldest son Cameron was eligible, they encouraged him to apply.
According to his mother, Cameron was hesitant at first. “He was under the impression he would not be able to have a full high school experience attending Governor’s School,” she says. “He soon realized the opposite was the case. He met so many new people, including teachers and students from surrounding counties. He thought his world would get smaller because all he would do was study. In reality, his world got much bigger because of all the new experiences and opportunities he was afforded.”
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