Alumni Stories - Ashley Lang

“School was always a challenge for me. I was diagnosed at a pretty young age with ADHD, so the academic side of school did not ever come easy to me. The social part of school came very easy for me. I love being around people, I was really into music, dance, and drama, so I was able to do those things in school. When I was ready to graduate, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be or what I could do. I auditioned for a music scholarship at four year university, got the scholarship, and attended there for 2 ½ years, but again I floundered quite a bit. I still didn’t really know what my next path was going to be, so I took some time off working at Carowinds as a main stage performer, but that contract was getting ready to run out. I did not have other plans in place, and I didn’t want to have to move back home. I passed by York Technical College on my daily commute, and one day, I was like  ‘Well let me just see what this has to offer.’ I came across something close to broadcasting and to me that was a piece of performing, so I said ‘Ok, let’s just give it a shot.’ I filled out everything I needed to fill out a week before I came over to campus and paid the money, and I was enrolled and started at York Tech the next week in August of 2001.” 

Taking a chance on York Tech, Ashley discovered that her talents in theater performance could be utilized in new ways. She thrived in front of the camera and sought opportunities to be on screen. However, it was learning the technical aspects of the field that truly prepared her for the workplace. The hands-on, practical learning environment at York Tech was exactly what Ashley needed to excel as a student. As she often says, York Tech provided the grit she needed: 

“I had an old southern grandmother growing up who would always say, ‘You need to get down to the nitty gritty,’ and I think York Tech was the grit for me. That was the grit I needed, it took all the fluff away and I was able to walk in and immediately be able to get to the task at hand. It was all hands on, and it was an easy way for me to learn.” 

Upon graduation, Ashley went on into an internship with CN2 news and with time landed her dream role as co-host of Palmetto Mornings here in Rock Hill. Ashley found her path and locked in on her dream, and she states that York Tech was the magic touch in making that happen:  

“I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t taken that leap to come to York Tech. I mean, at that point my confidence was very low and that was never really something I struggled with before. Not knowing where I was going to be – I’m not from here originally and I didn’t really want to have to return – was scary, so I had to come up with a plan. York Tech gave me the confidence and I love that the people on campus. All the professors really walked alongside you. They formed relationships with you, and they helped you get where you wanted to be.” 

York Tech didn't just prepare Ashley for a career, it ignited her passion for storytelling and gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Ashley, like many other students, had unique educational needs, and York Tech offered support and helped guide her towards a successful career. Her success not only highlights the impact of our teleproductions program but also contributes to its enduring legacy of nurturing talent and fostering success.