Jennifer Smirba, Nursing

Finding Support, Simplicity, and Success at FDTC

At Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC), students find more than just an education; they discover a supportive community that transforms lives. Jennifer Smirba’s story reflects the heart of FDTC, capturing the profound impact of its faculty and the nurturing environment that sets it apart from other institutions.

Having attended several colleges, including larger ones with high tuition costs, Jennifer never expected a technical college in Florence, South Carolina, to touch her so deeply.

“I truly never would’ve thought I would’ve met such incredible and such caring teachers that went above and beyond to make me feel like I mattered,” she said.

Jennifer described her past college experiences as filled with endless phone calls, transfers, and unreturned messages. FDTC, by contrast, offered something different.

“I have never had an institution that was so easy and simple to deal with,” she noted, explaining how staff and faculty made every process straightforward. For her, this simplicity was a lifeline, ensuring that one stressful moment didn’t derail her college career.

“Sometimes when you do hard things, it feels like the world is against you… just the simplicity and ease of all the people that work at the school… truly means the world,” she said.

When Jennifer entered FDTC’s nursing program, she was nervous, having heard stories of cutthroat competition and overwhelming demands at other schools. Her experience, however, was transformative.

“This was the best experience I’ve ever had; not just in terms of a school and in terms of teachers, but overall, as a whole,” she said.
While the program was challenging, the support of the faculty made the difference. Her instructors became more than teachers; they felt like family. They believed in her even when she doubted herself and refused to let “quit” be an option.

“These people knew nothing about me and had all the faith in me,” she said. She recalled how her professors went above and beyond, even sacrificing personal time to provide one-on-one support. “How somebody could see such greatness in somebody else and know nothing about them baffles me.”
Jennifer remembers moments of struggle when her instructors’ belief in her was the push she needed to keep going.

“These instructors didn’t just teach; they inspired,” she said. “They instilled values and lessons that will last a lifetime.” Their dedication was clear in their willingness to sacrifice time with their own families to help students succeed. “They saw my potential even when I wanted to quit, and they wouldn’t let ‘quit’ be an option,” she added. For Jennifer, their faith became a catalyst, helping her see her own potential and chase goals she once thought impossible.

The impact of FDTC’s nurturing environment extended far beyond the classroom. Encouraged by her professors’ support, Jennifer is now pursuing a master’s degree, a milestone she never thought achievable before FDTC.

“The school has inspired me … to never quit and to see all the potential in myself that they saw in me,” she said. 

FDTC’s heart, embodied by its caring and committed educators, gave her the courage to dream bigger and persevere through challenges. “There is no amount of gratitude that I could ever repay the faculty at this school with,” she said.
Jennifer’s journey is a testament to the unique spirit of Florence-Darlington Technical College. Here, students are not just numbers but individuals with potential, supported by faculty who believe in them unconditionally.

“What the school made me realize is that out of everything every other school may have to offer, it will never have as big a heart as Florence-Darlington Tech,” she said.

Embark on your educational journey with Florence-Darlington Technical College, where diverse programs and a supportive community help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Whether you’re a first-time student, transferring credits, or pursuing workforce training, FDTC is here to guide you every step of the way.

Apply now at https://www.fdtc.edu/apply-now/ or reach out to our Admissions Office at (843) 661-8289 to start building your future today.