In 2009, Robyn Mackelprang left her full-time job to focus solely on raising her kids. When her youngest began preschool in 2023 she felt drawn to working in communications and marketing again. During her job search she quickly discovered she was missing required job experience in social media. Although she earned an undergraduate degree in communications in 2005, social media was not part of the curriculum at the time. Her search for further education brought her to Mesa Community College to earn a certificate of completion in social media marketing. “This certificate program was the perfect way for me to become educated on social media in a thorough and relatively quick way,” shared Robyn. She said MCC’s affordable cost plus flexible class formats were what drew her to the certification program.
Returning to the classroom after many years initially felt intimidating. However, Robyn soon realized that MCC’s student body reflects all stages of life and career paths. “My classmates ranged from teens to older adults,” she said. The broad perspectives gained from the variety of students increased the value of her education.
As a mom of four there were days her study time didn’t happen as planned and she had many late nights at the library. “It felt impossible to study at home with all the distractions there, so the library became my second home. It was tiring to make time to study and do homework but the hard work is paying off with new opportunities for me. I also have more empathy for my kids, because I am reminded that school work is challenging!”
The last class to complete her certificate, an internship, brought another challenge: updating her resume. Robyn felt her resume lacked any worthwhile job experience while she was a fulltime mom. Thankfully while attending MCC’s Student Success Workshop in February 2025, she discovered the options available at MCC Career Services and made an appointment. “Amanda Copetillo in Career Services helped me discover the work experience I had gained during my time as a full time mom. She also showed me how my volunteer experience at church and at my kids’ schools was a valuable addition to my resume.” With an updated resume, Mackelprang’s internship search led her to the MCC Office of Institutional Advancement where she works hands-on with projects connected to her social media certification.
In May she will graduate with other MCC graduate candidates. Her husband and kids will be in attendance at the ceremony. “At my graduation ceremony in 2006, I was not married, or a mom, but this time, my family will get to witness this accomplishment." Her daughter shared: “I’m really proud of my mom. I’m excited to watch her graduate.”