GTCC graduate Valerie Transeau finds fresh start through office management degree
Published on: July 6, 2026
Valerie Transeau dreamed of going to college for business administration when she graduated from East Davidson High School in 2001. More than 20 years later, she earned her applied science degree in office management at GTCC, but it wasn’t easy getting there.
Growing up in Silver Valley, North Carolina, Transeau was raised by a loving, supportive father.
“It was just my dad and I; he raised me as a single dad,” she said. “My dad had his own problems, but he took care of me his whole life. He owned a landscaping company and did his best for us.”
As a teen, Transeau worked as a clerk for a local pharmacy which inspired her to switch her college goals toward earning her pharmacy technology certification instead.
“Unfortunately, this is when my downfall started. I was working at a pharmacy in Davidson County and then started going to a doctor for pain medicine and got hooked on pain medication and eventually heroin,” she recalls.
For years, Transeau battled addiction and welcomed a son in the midst.
In June 2021, her whole world fell apart, and she decided she had to make major life changes.
“When my dad passed away I completely spiraled and was admitted to a hospital for my mental health,” Transeau said. “It was when I was in the hospital that I made the decision that I couldn’t keep doing this. I’ve got to do something. My son was 15 then, and I needed to do something different for both of us.”
This began the start of a dramatic life shift for her, which included the support of those around her that saw her drive to become more than an addict for the rest of her life.
“When I was in the hospital, my doctor knew about Tabitha’s Ministry (a substance abuse treatment program) and helped me apply,” she said. “When Myra, the director of operations at Tabitha’s Ministry, first got my application, she thought I was too far gone, but the doctor reached back out and told her I was not what this paperwork says, I was improving.”
This was the support and recognition that Transeau needed to begin fresh.
“I started at Tabitha’s Ministry in 2022 and graduated from the substance abuse treatment program in 2023. I was then an intern there for a year and have been staff there since. Today, I live on site as a volunteer and monitor the residents.”
After graduating from her treatment program in 2023, Transeau started working part-time at a powder coating factory and started looking for ways to further her education, while improving her future.
“I thought, if I ever hope to get a job beyond this – I needed some education,” she recalled. “I was researching online and found the office management program at GTCC. I started at GTCC for my diploma in office management. I knew I would be a good candidate for an office manager, something clerical. I was able to work part-time at the factory and go to school at the same time.”
As Transeau was approaching her graduation with a diploma, her advisor recognized her potential and encouraged her to take another year and pursue an office management associate degree.
The office management associate degree is designed for individuals seeking positions as office managers or executive administrative assistants in a variety of business and industry settings. The program covers the basics through the advanced features of MS Office Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, including the commonly used functions of Outlook and Access.
“Everybody at GTCC was very helpful, whenever I needed help (GTCC Instructor) Mrs. Taft and (GTCC Program Director) Mrs. Fondow were there encouraging me,” she said.
In February 2025, Transeau was hired full-time as a Community Health Peer Mentor at Davidson Medical Ministries/DC Connect in Lexington, North Carolina. In her role, Transeau assists individuals in the Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, including those incarcerated, in accessing treatment, and recovery resources.
“My diploma helped secure my job at Davidson Medical Ministries/DC Connect, my boss knew I was in school continuing my education and knew about my past and was willing to give me this opportunity.
“I get lots of questions in the office on the word processing programs. I am the resident office Microsoft guru. Also, learning how to communicate with people professionally was a great skill I developed at GTCC.”
In addition to graduating in May 2026 with her associate degree, Transeau was honored at the 2026 GTCC Student Excellence Awards with the Community Service award.
“Valerie has overcome significant personal challenges and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rebuilding her life and pursuing her goals. Her journey reflects remarkable strength, perseverance, and a deep dedication to creating a brighter future for herself and her family,” said Samara Taft, GTCC office administration assistant professor. “Through her tireless service, Valerie exemplifies compassion, leadership, and a profound dedication to improving lives.”
“Having this job makes me feel good and valued,” said Transeau. “I have my diploma, degree and my student excellence award plaque in my office.”
For more information on the applied science degree in office management, visit gtcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/programs/business-programs/office-administration.php Back to All Articles