By Kaitlyn Parker, External Affairs Intern
Growing up in Stanly County, Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Kara Pless knew she wanted to return to the community she grew up in.
“This is home for me,” Pless said. “My husband and I built our house right beside my parents, and my sister lives on the other side. I am raising my family here.”
Starting out at High Point University and then transferring to Pfeiffer University, Pless graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management.
“I started at High Point University, and I absolutely loved it,” Pless said. “The Golden LEAF Scholarship made it financially possible for me to attend. Later, I transferred to Pfeiffer University, which was closer to home.”
Pless kept on with her education after her bachelor’s degree. She began her master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2024.
Pless thinks that making connections and studying hard is the best advice for other students in the same position she was.
“I know sometimes college can feel overwhelming,” she said. “But building connections, talking to people, networking in person and on LinkedIn can open doors you never expected. I still keep in touch with people from both High Point and Pfeiffer. Take advantage of every opportunity you can, but also stay focused and work hard.”
Pless initially was hired as an intern at her local FirstBank. Through that, she was offered full-time employment that has grown in scope.
“I’ve been with FirstBank for nine years,” Pless said. “I’m now a Credit Analyst, but I actually started as the bank’s first intern. I had known one of the branch managers through my parents, so that connection opened the door for me. After my internship, they created a formal internship program for future students.”
Living and working in Stanly County means the world to Pless and has sparked community engagement through local programs. She has even participated in a leadership program called, Leadership Stanly, a program run by Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.
“FirstBank sponsored me and covered the cost of the program,” Pless said. “Our class had about 25 people from a variety of businesses and organizations across the county. We started with a two-day retreat, and then for the next nine months we met once a month for themed leadership days.”
Pless shared that Leadership Stanly helped her grow in her knowledge of her community and grow her network.
“Throughout the program, we heard from chamber leaders, local government officials, and other community leaders,” Pless shared. “One of the best parts of the program was the relationships that were built. I met so many people through the program, including people from other banks and businesses in the community. It was an incredible experience.”
Now that she has completed the program, Pless has asked to serve on the steering committee to help the next cohort of leaders.
“I love being able to give back,” Pless said. “When you invest your time and heart into your community, it gives you a real sense of purpose. Everyone knows each other, and if you ever need help, someone is always there. That’s what I love about living in a small town.”
Similarly, being a Golden LEAF Scholar means the support and purpose of an entire community is behind you.
“The Golden LEAF Scholarship gave me the opportunity and encouragement to attend my dream school by easing the financial burden,” Pless said. “That allowed me to focus on getting the most out of my college experience. If you’re thinking about applying, do it. There’s no reason not to. It provides financial support, connects you with an incredible network, and you never know where one connection might lead.”