Taylor Keeney is preparing to graduate from Mesa Community College this spring and plans to continue her education at Arizona State University, where she will pursue both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work over the next five years.
Keeney chose MCC for its accessibility and strong support systems, which helped make her educational goals attainable.
“What drew me to MCC is how accessible it is for anyone,” she said. “There are tons of support systems and scholarships for anyone looking for them. I would not have been able to afford going directly to a university, so having the option for community college made my goals attainable.”
Balancing work and school, Keeney has stayed actively engaged both inside and outside the classroom. She participates in a women’s rock climbing club and is involved with Psi Beta, the National Honor Society in Psychology for community and two-year colleges.
Her journey has not been without challenges. After taking a break from college, Keeney made the decision to return—an experience she describes as a significant but worthwhile hurdle.
“Deciding to go back to college after taking a few year hiatus was a huge hurdle that I wasn't sure if I was ready for,” she said. “But I kept telling myself ‘the time will pass anyways,’ and that helped me realize it was the right decision.”
During the spring semester, she faced an additional setback when she broke her ankle and was unable to walk for six weeks. With the support of her professors and peers, she persevered and continued attending classes.
“I am very glad I stuck to it and still went to class despite my injury,” she said.
Keeney credits MCC’s wide range of resources for helping her succeed, including Mesa Market, tutoring services and academic advising.
“My favorite part about MCC is the resources it provides to students,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been given everything I need to succeed.”
She also expressed appreciation for the faculty who supported her along the way.
“I believe the professors are some of the best around, especially Shakira Pipher and Kerry Muehlenbeck for how supportive and helpful they are to all their students,” she said.
As she looks ahead, Keeney encourages current and future students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.
“My biggest tip is to use the resources MCC offers and stay organized,” she said. “Adding all my assignments and due dates into my calendar at the beginning of the semester has helped me stay on track. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions—professors can’t help you unless they know you need help.”