Joe and Shanita D'Angelo

It’s a love story that Joe and Shanita D’Angelo say blossomed on the Midlands Technical College Beltline Campus.

“I didn't think I could afford to go to school, and he said ‘you can.’” Shanita says Joe was already enrolled at MTC. Shanita was working three jobs and didn’t think continuing her education was an option, but the man who would become her husband changed her mind.

“I enrolled, and with a lot of hard work, I did it.” Shanita says. “I began to excel, and I started making A’s.”

Joe graduated from MTC in December of 2004 with an Associate in Science. Then, he went on to receive his Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina (USC), and two Master of Science degrees – one from USC and the other from John Hopkins University.

"You really can get anywhere from here."

“He was standing next to the library on campus one day and he asked me, ‘Ma’am, would you like me to carry your books to class?’” Shanita says with a wide smile and laughter.

Shanita graduated from MTC in 2007 with an Associate in Arts in Human Services. She then continued her education and received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Limestone College and her Master of Arts in Social Work from USC.

The D’Angelos both work for Duke Health Systems. Joe is a senior management engineer; Shanita is a cardiac rehabilitation social worker. She also works as a critical care social worker for WakeMed Hospital.

“Where I am now, I’m living life,” Shanita says grinning from ear to ear. “Before I got my degrees, I felt like I was just existing,” she says.

“What I found having been a student at Midlands Tech is that it really gave me the background and the work ethic I needed to succeed,” Joe says.

In addition to their careers, the D’Angelos started a business mentoring others who are seeking assistance in the areas of personal growth, professional development, and career guidance

Their company, Reaching Beyond LLC, is a dynamic organization that was founded in June of 2012 to assist youth live productive lives.

“I feel tremendously blessed when I look at where I started and see where I am at now,” Joe says. Joe says Midlands Technical College gave him the platform he needed to excel in his career. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

“I’m very thankful for Midlands Technical College, and I’m very thankful for Joe,” Shanita says.

“You really can get anywhere from Midlands Technical College,” Joe says emphatically.

“You really can,” Shanita says, “Just look at me!” 

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