Kayla So of Hubert is a 23-year-old first-generation Korean-American, a member of the United States Army National Guard, a veterinary assistant, and a student. This already accomplished young woman shows no signs of stopping her educational career any time soon. 

“As someone who grew up as a first-generation Korean-American to parents who immigrated for a better prospect in life, I’m proud to be able to attend college in America and pursue what I want freely,” she said.

Her interest in gunsmithing brought So to the Lenoir Community College Jones County Center in Trenton where she is a student in the Gunsmithing Program.  She is currently pursuing a degree in gunsmithing for recreational purposes, stating, “I initially entered the course hoping it would help me in my military career.” However, she said she has recently thought about considering gunsmithing as a future career option. 

She originally moved to North Carolina for a research internship in 2020, and after moving here she decided to transfer to the North Carolina Army National Guard. A few months after starting her job, she met her now partner, who served as a U.S. Marine. The couple is currently completing the Gunsmithing Program together. 

While she plans to complete her gunsmithing degree, So has always been passionate about animals. Between her job as a vet assistant and being a supply specialist for the Army National Guard, she is also currently enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she is studying Wildlife Biology in hopes to eventually attend veterinary school. 

“I love working with animals but knew I wanted to work outside rather than in an office. Wildlife Biology is giving me a chance to do that.” 

She thrives taking on so many challenges and gunsmithing will be one of the many skills she will carry with her as she continues her career, wherever that takes her. While her current focus is getting through school and continuing her work with the military, So will have a great deal of opportunities open to her after completing her gunsmithing degree. This program will allow students opportunities to pursue multiple career routes after completion. 

“If there were one piece of advice, I had to offer someone interested in taking this class, I would recommend having an open mind as the projects and tasks can be challenging and some things you aren’t used to,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask your teachers or classmates for help! I’ve gotten stuck on projects that I couldn’t have completed without the help of my class.”

So has thoroughly enjoyed her time in this program, “I love the course. I have enjoyed the numerous projects I have gotten to try my hand at,” she said. “My favorite part of this course so far was painting guns. The creativity and planning process is in-depth and no joke!” 

If you are interested in more information on the Gunsmithing Program, please contact Michael Copley at (252) 527-6223, ext. 787, or email mccopley08@lenoircc.edu.