Our Stories

William S. Flores

Published May 6, 2025

William S. Flores, 20, is a focused first-generation student who never saw himself attending college. Encouragement from a Prince George’s Community College recruiter helped him to challenge his perspective and set his sights on higher education. Today, Flores is among the top-performing students at PGCC and will serve as the 2025 Distinguished Graduate at Commencement this year.

“I did so much research to learn what it was to just be in college,” Flores said. “As a first-generation Latino, I would say that college was never seen as a goal for me, just because I didn't know what it was. My parents don't come from an educational background, so I didn't have anyone in my life to tell me that I had to go to college. All I heard was that college is good for you. But for me, in my head, college was only good for those who were smart, those who were wealthier, and successful.”

Flores answered the bold call to see beyond his immediate reality and pursue a greater future for himself. He graduated from High Point High School and enrolled at PGCC, where he majored in general studies. After finishing at PGCC, he plans to transfer to the University of Maryland College Park, where he will major in public policy and minor in marketing. He aspires to run for Congress or governor in the future. He also has entrepreneurship goals of owning a farm and selling produce one day. Flores believes in the power of representation through his own story and strives to empower others.

“It was a PGCC Latina advisor that I got to meet at my local high school,” he said. “She was my representation. Looking back, I wouldn't think that I would be in the place I am if it weren't for the people who were surrounding me or the questions that I asked.”

In his free time, Flores gives back to the community through volunteering with other first-generation students, helping them with college readiness.

“It's more than just volunteering,” he said. “I love it. It's a passion of mine to be able to share with other Latino students who are unaware of the educational system here in America and give them the information that will be so valuable for them once they graduate from high school.”

While a student at PGCC, Flores was involved with the Southern Management Leadership Program, a Promise Scholarship recipient, the honors program, and served as a Student Senator during the College-wide Forum in 2023.

He appreciated the strong support system at PGCC and admitted that the level of care he experienced at the College made him feel special, seen, and heard.

“It's not just the professors and staff pushing you to do your thing,” he said. “They are there every step of the way, and they are there to help you whenever you look back and you have any questions. And that's really important when it comes to supporting students.”

Flores said he is proud of himself for pushing through his circumstances to achieve his goals and inspire others. He took a chance on college, and it changed his life. His legacy is a message of embracing the transformative power of fearlessness. He tapped into his own greatness by not being afraid to try something new.

“In order for you to taste or have that success, you must first taste that bit of failure in your life,” he said. “Many people tend to fear what could happen. You never know if you don't take that chance or leap of faith to continue.”

Nahir Moyer

Published March 24, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has selected PGCC adjunct faculty member Nahir A. Moyer to participate in the 2024-2025 Virtual English Language Educator Program. As part of this prestigious initiative, Professor Moyer will collaborate with English language learners and teachers in Vietnam, partnering with the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges to enhance the quality of English education in the region.

Professor Moyer has over 20 years of experience in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education and is one of 100 educators chosen for this virtual project. The program enables experienced teachers to work with local teachers and educational professionals in more than 80 countries, improving English instruction and fostering global understanding.

For Moyer, the decision to join the program was driven by personal and professional motivations. “I decided to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s Virtual Educator program because I saw it as an invaluable opportunity for professional development and networking,” she said. “It allows me to engage with a diverse group of educators and exchange ideas to enrich my [own] teaching and benefit my students at PGCC.”

Professor Moyer’s career in education began with a bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in English language teaching, followed by a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. She has taught at various institutions, including private language schools, online platforms, and teacher-training colleges. She has spent several years focusing on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), workforce preparation, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at the College.

“Being an English as a second language educator, I chose to teach at PGCC because I believe in the power of community colleges to provide accessible and high-quality education to a diverse student population,” Moyer said. “I wanted to be part of an institution that makes a real difference in the lives of its students and the community.”

At PGCC, she has focused on providing engaging and relevant instruction that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers. She is inspired by watching students overcome challenges and grow into confident, capable individuals.

As Moyer begins this new chapter of her career, she also reflects on the significance of her work within the broader context of International Women's Day, celebrated globally on March 8. International Women's Day honors women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements worldwide, and Moyer’s journey as an educator and global ambassador is a testament to the power of women in shaping the future of education.

“This is a special moment for me, especially as we approach International Women's Day,” Professor Moyer said. “Being a woman in education and now contributing to a global effort to improve English language teaching aligns with the values of this day. It’s an honor to be part of a larger movement that celebrates the achievements of women worldwide.”

The U.S. Department of State’s Virtual English Language Educator Program, a key part of its English Language Programs, places educators like Professor Moyer with international institutions to improve English language teaching worldwide. Through this initiative, Moyer will help elevate English instruction in Vietnam, supporting local teachers and learners while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

“I am excited to contribute to this program and make a global impact on English language education,” Professor Moyer said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with educators across cultures, learn from them, and bring those insights back to PGCC.”

For Moyer, this program represents the next step in her lifelong mission to inspire and educate, helping students reach their full potential, no matter where they are in the world.