Daniel Pipersburgh’s journey to Camden County College began in 2021, across the country, at the University of California, Davis in Davis, California. While at UC Davis, Daniel was a collegiate rower studying Aerospace Engineering. But he quickly learned that being one of 40,000 did not align with the vision he had for his college experience.
“I arrived at UC Davis with confidence, ambition, and a deep sense of purpose,” reflected Daniel. “But confidence does not solve vector equations in Calculus Three, and purpose does not carry you through lecture halls filled with over 500 students.”
Daniel knew he needed a change, not only for his academic future but also for his own happiness. So, he decided to come home to Cherry Hill Township to reset and decide what’s next for him.
“I boarded a nonstop flight from Sacramento back to New Jersey, unsure of what the future had in store but certain that I needed to start over,” Daniel explained. “I enrolled at CCC in January 2024, placing my trust in God’s plan, and taking the first step toward rebuilding not only my academic path, but myself.”
The transition from a large four-year institution to a two-year college is a significant change, but CCC helped Daniel navigate the change.
“While the transition was tough, CCC has provided a supportive and nurturing environment where I’ve been able to rebuild my academic confidence.”
While at CCC, Daniel was an active member of the Chemistry Club, but his involvement didn’t stop there. Outside of CCC, Daniel worked with the NJ State Science Olympiad for Astronomy and wrote for the NY State Science Olympiad. He participated in three NASA workforce development programs: NASA Mission Concept Academy, where his team prepared a 250-page Preliminary Design Review for a mission concept to Venus; NASA L’SPACE Academy, where he learned how to write funding proposals under NASA’s standards; and NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars, which provided him with invaluable networking and learning opportunities.
Daniel continued to rebuild his academic confidence by taking 10 classes this semester, double the standard full-time class load. He passed all of them.
“This semester marked a significant achievement in my academic journey,” he explained. “The challenges I faced, especially in calculus, taught me resilience, while the smaller class sizes allowed me to receive personalized attention, something I lacked in large university settings.”
Over time, the lessons Daniel learned in the classroom began to pour over into other aspects of his life.
“CCC has completely reshaped how I approach life, not just as a student but as a person learning to move through the world with discipline, empathy, and clarity.”
While the classroom gave Daniel tools for success, it was his fellow students who offered the most lasting lessons.
“What has left the biggest impact on me are the people I have met. I have spoken with veterans rebuilding their futures, single parents pursuing their dreams, and students like me who returned after setbacks, all driven by purpose. I carry their stories with me, and they continue to inspire me every day.”
Through the connections with his peers, Daniel was able to find peace within his own journey.
“Being part of this community has taught me that success is not always a straight path, but one shaped by persistence, shared experience, and growth.”
Daniel has not yet decided where he will transfer to after he receives his associate in Engineering Science on May 16, but he plans to transfer to a four-year university, where he will continue his studies in Astrophysics, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering. His ultimate goal is to become an astronaut. While not even the sky’s the limit for Daniel, he remains grateful for the opportunity Camden County College gave him.
“To the people I have met at CCC, thank you for pushing me, allowing me to be myself, and reminding me that I am not alone in this journey. And to every teacher who said yes when they could have said no, thank you for believing in me every step of the way.”
Congratulations, Daniel, and Congratulations to the entire class of 2025!
