Rachel Henry, 30, of Chandler, is part of the first group of students to receive a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education, Dual Language, from Mesa Community College.
“It feels really cool to be in this group because it is the beginning of an opportunity for more bachelor's degree programs to come to community colleges,” Henry said. “The bachelor's program opened right as I was about to finish my associate's degree.”
Completing her education was a bit of a challenge for Henry. She had several personal obstacles to overcome.
“My husband and I have been together since we were 15 years old,” Henry said. “At 19, I was in the throes of nursing school at Arizona State University and barely hanging on due to my generalized anxiety. My husband, then boyfriend, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma during this time. I ended up dropping out of school. Thankfully, he is now fully in remission and cancer-free for nine years.”
Henry said the experience taught her that it’s never too late to do something that is important to you.
“I grew up with the idea that I had to be perfect, in education especially,” Henry said. “When my mental health couldn't handle nursing school at ASU, I thought of myself as a failure. However, as I began classes again at MCC, I found my passion and purpose in Early Childhood Education and realized that my ‘failure’ led me to the place I was meant to be.”
She said her career goal is to open an in-home preschool, based on her experience working as a nanny.
Henry received Pell Grant funds to help pay for her time at MCC. She has a bit of advice for students who are struggling.
“I always reached out directly to my instructors when things got tough for me,” Henry said. “A great thing about MCC is that class sizes are small, and the instructors always knew me by name and cared about my success.”
Henry said she would definitely recommend MCC to others.
“I will never forget the convenience and care of MCC,” Henry said. “I would recommend this college to others, particularly because of the instructors and facilities at the Southern & Dobson Campus.”