Students Who Inspire Us – SGA Student Spotlight

Tell us about yourself.

I am a second-year student graduating this May with an associate degree in Gerontology. I am a member of the KEYS program at HACC, and I like to participate in the monthly book club offered through Student Involvement. I do weekly Bible study and write poetry when I get the urge. I have been married for almost 17 years, and I am a mother of three children. We currently have a chinchilla, four guinea pigs and four cats.

What did you expect when you came to HACC?

When I first started HACC, I was unsure what to expect from a college setting. It had been a long time since I had attended school and been responsible for homework. Since I was18, I had wanted to, but I had always found excuses not to. Then my oldest started getting ready to prepare for college himself. I thought, I’ve got to do this – not necessarily for myself but to be a good example for my kids.

Have you had any particular positive experiences you can share?

Attending HACC has been exciting. I have met a lot of other people from many different stories and all age groups. I have learned about the different issues others had to overcome to attend college. I have also learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. Going through classes, I’ve learned that I’m going to be OK if I’m pushed outside of my comfort zone.

Are there any specific individuals at HACC who have helped you succeed?

Asauntae Gordon, a facilitator with KEYS, has been very helpful. She listens to me and points me in the right direction when I need help. She makes sure I have the supplies I need to be successful in my classes. Susan Spivey, my class tutor for English 057, was also very helpful. She helped me pick apart papers and make them read well. She was always willing to give me pointers, even with projects that were not from an English class. All my professors have tried to go above and beyond to help me.

What are your plans after HACC?

After college I plan to start my career as a geriatric social worker working with people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. My plans also include earning a bachelor's degree and maybe a master's. I want to be as prepared as possible to better serve the older people I will be working with. Outside of my career plans, another thing I hope to do one day is put my story “out there” through poetry and creative writing. The way I think about it, there’s only one of you, and only you can tell your story.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a first-year student at HACC. I am interested in cardiac sonography, but due to covid I changed my major to business administration. I am a member of the HACC Hawks Women’s Volleyball team, and my position is setter. I am the oldest of four siblings. My sister, who is still in high school, plays volleyball too.

What did you expect when you came to HACC?

Before I came to HACC, I already knew the volleyball coaches beforehand from playing with club teams in high school. Since I was part of the HACC dual enrollment program with my high school, I also already knew what some of the classes were like. When I came to HACC, I expected to get a strong education. I also expected to make many lifelong friendships and to be able to just enjoy these two years of being a HACC Hawk.

Have you had any particularly positive experiences you can share?

Most of my positive experiences at HACC have come from my volleyball coaches, the W.A.R.E. staff, and my teammates. One of my positive experiences was when my team and I earned the title of Conference Champions for our division this past season. We fell one game short of being regional champions and going on to nationals. I’m excited for the next season, and I think it could be even better than last season if we work hard. My personal accomplishment was making the First Team All-Star for both our conference and our region.

Are there any specific individuals at HACC who have helped you succeed?

My volleyball coaches Tom Frye and Becky Conrad are two of the main people at HACC that have helped me succeed. They both have believed in me since my high school years and had the biggest influence on my decision to go to HACC. They have helped me increase my confidence in myself on and off the court. My success in volleyball has come from their strong coaching ability. Not only have they been great coaches, but they have also been great role models.

What are your plans after HACC?

My plans after HACC are to begin working in my field of study and transfer schools to earn a bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, I would like to return to my original major of cardiac sonography and use my business degree to help in this endeavor. I plan to continue playing volleyball at my four-year school. After I finish earning an associate degree, I also hope to start coaching.