Lillian Presley

Since college started, I have been a full-time student, but at the moment I also work two jobs. Right now, I am attending peer mentor classes so that this fall semester I can teach a freshman seminar class. On top of that, I work at Target about twenty-five to thirty hours a week.

Even with my busy schedule, I manage to partake in a hobby of mine, German dancing. I perform and volunteer at different revenues where I serve food and socialize with others at festivities. A popular festival I look forward to is Oktoberfest.

Since high school, I have struggled with my mental health. I try my best to uplift others with positive words on social media and small acts of kindness. Going through therapy opened my eyes to how I could relate and make a career out of helping others who experience similar struggles. In the future, I hope to work in school counseling or any job helping kids or young adults improve their mental health. I also hope to further my education past a bachelor’s degree to earn a masters or doctorate while becoming financially stable to support myself.

The Associate in Arts Program has some great features that I came to appreciate as a student here. I like the smaller class sizes because it creates a more personal connection with my professors and peers that enabled me to feel I could get help and be comfortable in my environment. Not only that but lower tuition is also a plus!

I would say that my biggest achievement within my two years of college was earning a spot on the Dean's List. I am proud of myself that even during this challenging time of online classes, I was still able to work hard and to be acknowledged for it. Since earning this, I have became more motivated to work hard and hope in the future to continue to improve my academic performance.

Interview by Hannah Corrigan, Spring 2021