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Brigmans bond in college and beyond
April 13, 2010
Jan Joslin
 Lots of siblings are ready for a break from each other when they go off to college. Not the Brigman sisters.
Stephanie ’08, Heather ’09 and Erica ’12, home school graduates from Fayetteville, N.C., each chose to attend Charleston Southern and roomed together. “When I graduated, we traded sisters,” said Stephanie. “When one Brigman left, another took her side of the room.”
“Out of the three of us, I was the only one to have the opportunity to experience living with each sister, and I must say there was never a dull moment, but it was a blessing,” said Heather. “Although each of us was involved with our own activities and commitments, we were able to share the college experience together.”
Erica, a sophomore nursing student, and the only sister still in school, enjoyed being Heather’s roommate. “I think it really helped me to transition to college life easier.”
This intense love and loyalty to each other saw the family through a difficult time after Stephanie graduated and learned she had cancer of the jawbone. After extensive surgery, Stephanie is cancer free. She currently serves on the N.C. Cancer Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Board, a group of cancer patients and family members of cancer patients whose goal is to continue to improve the quality of care for cancer patients.
Stephanie said, “My mom was right there with me throughout it all, and I can never thank her enough for all she did for me. My sisters made me smile and were always there to help me when I needed something. It was a team effort between all three of them. Even though the cancer is gone, my family and friends are all still incredibly supportive.”
“I won’t lie, her diagnosis scared me,” said Erica, the youngest sister. “I knew that she would pull through though. She’s really strong, and she had so many people supporting her and praying for her. It made me realize that everything can change in an instant and to thank God everyday for all of the things that we tend to take for granted.”
Heather said, “I feel that the cancer has caused me to respect and admire my sister more. She has been an inspiration to others through her recovery and kept her sights on her blessings during a difficult time.”
 These days, Stephanie is working as a freelance writer for City View Magazine in Fayetteville and as a receptionist at Eastover Pediatrics. While at CSU, Stephanie was an English major and worked in the University’s publications office and was an intern with a local newspaper.
“I originally wanted to write fiction, but as I began to interview individuals for assignments at CSU and the Goose Creek Gazette, I was fascinated with the stories I heard and decided I wanted to write to help others,” said Stephanie.
“Everyone has a story to tell, and I have learned so much about people and lessons about life through each interview.
If I’m able to share those experiences and lessons with others, maybe it will make a difference in another person’s life and encourage him. I hope to one day travel and encourage the lost and broken by tying the Word in with writing. I’m not sure how I’ll do that just yet, but I’m waiting for the Lord to reveal His plans for me,” said Stephanie.
Heather is working in the human resources department at First Federal. “After completing an internship with the company, I was hired as an HR analyst where I work on a large variety of projects, including writing company policies, acting as editor of the HR newsletter and assisting with training programs,” said Heather. She majored in business at CSU and hopes to one day manage a nonprofit organization. “What you learn in business courses is so relevant to everyday life, and that knowledge opens the door to many opportunities.”
Erica is in the middle of her college career, studying to be a nurse. “I’ve been interested in becoming a nurse for awhile. I think one of the main reasons is that my mom is a nurse. She is such an inspiration to me. I’ve seen the difference that she makes in people’s lives every day. I can only hope that I can do the same in the future,” said Erica.
While all three sisters are studious and love to laugh, they all agree that Stephanie is the biggest procrastinator. “I witnessed many an all-nighter as her roommate,” said Heather. Stephanie said Heather is the jack-of-all trades of the family. “She can do anything from creating awesome meals and choreographing dances to organizing a Christian-based community outreach program and playing piano,” said Stephanie.
Through it all, the Brigman girls never lose sight of their tight bond. “I think we’re stronger as women because we are so close,” said Stephanie.
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University Relations Web Exclusives
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