Paige Tinnel, a 2020 graduate of Big Walnut High School and DACC’s Digital Design program, is pursuing two passions—photography and teaching.
By day, Paige works at The Goddard School, where she is a lead assistant teacher for one of the preschool’s older classrooms. She has enjoyed working with nearly every age group, discovering a love for teaching along the way. Outside of the classroom, Paige dedicates herself to photography. Her growing portfolio has already taken her across the country—most recently to Los Angeles, where she was hired for a video shoot. “It makes me so happy that I can travel and be paid for a passion I love deeply,” she shares.
Paige credits DACC with helping her prepare for her future. “All of the projects, requirements, and responsibilities the career center gives their students truly help so much. Job shadows and opportunities to apply for positions strengthened my social skills tremendously,” she reflects. During her time at DACC, Paige gained professional experience working for JCPenney, photographing for the Huntington Addiction Wellness Center in West Virginia, and capturing images for the Sunbury Rotary Club. “All of those experiences helped prepare me for after graduation more than I realized.”
Her advice for current and future DACC students is heartfelt: “Please do not waste your time at the career center. The only thing I regret is not taking my time there more seriously. Even if you’re facing challenges, push through and focus on the skills you’re working on. You don’t realize how big of an opportunity it is until it’s gone.”
Paige’s story is a reminder that DACC opens doors to careers, passions, and lifelong opportunities.
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