For many students, future goals become achievable once a first step is made. That step might be starting a semester at college, switching majors, or trying a class that piques their interest. Sometimes small actions open doors, bringing future goals closer.
Former Camden County College (CCC) student Nick Camma knows this firsthand. His experience at CCC served as a stepping stone for his growth as a business owner.
Nick gained much of his early work experience at an ice cream shop called Leo’s. He had aspirations to one day run a woodworking business, but this wasn’t a plan he was actively pursuing. That changed one night when he met a customer who would push his goal to the forefront.
“She asked what my plans were and if I wanted to go back to college. She mentioned Camden County College having courses for $99 a credit, so I started looking and saw the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) courses,” Nick shared.
After visiting the website, Nick decided to enroll. He previously purchased a CNC machine and thought the class would be a great opportunity to grow his programming skills. He still remembers his first day of class and comparing the machine he had at home with what he would be using in the classroom.
“I hoped everything would translate, and it did. I was able to apply the stuff I learned in class to my home projects,” Nick said.
He would often bring his projects to class, where Dr. Kevin Schmidt would share advice on how to improve them.
While taking classes at CCC, Nick was developing a woodworking business called Camma Creations, a plan he had originally reserved for the future. He also started a 3D printing company called Plooky Prints with his cousin Alex. Nick handles finances, quotes, and booking craft fairs, while Alex operates the printers and coordinates the schedule.
By building these businesses, Nick and Alex learned the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and are now finding ways to support the local community through their work.
His advice to students is not to feel pressured to have it all figured out.
“I honestly think at a community college, you don’t always have to have a plan for what you want to do yet. Take classes that interest you, and that interest might pull you into something else,” he said.
“Some people end up doing something for 10 years, and they want to change into a different career because they’re burnt out… But if you find something that you feel like you’re good at already and you want to keep exploring it, keep learning.”
Nick’s story reminds us that you do not always have to know where your first step will lead. Sometimes, taking a small actionable step can bring you closer to what you hope to achieve.
