Date published: Dec. 16, 2024
Gap, PA
“HACC has made me feel like accomplishing something, no matter how long the process may take.”
When Devin moved to Lancaster County, HACC’s Lancaster Campus became the closest college to her new home. However, at age 24, Devin felt she was too old to return to school.
Today, however, Devin is a first-generation student in HACC’s Social Services program. But her successes didn’t come without challenges.
Devin began, “I don’t like to dwell on my challenges, but I’ve had quite a few that have affected my life when it comes to my mental health, which in turn affected my education.”
She continued, “I have a severe case of ADHD. I never thought I was smart enough for school, so I never really did anything to pursue it, which led to a bunch of dead-end jobs and anxiety, which turned into depression because I felt my life was going nowhere.”
Devin soon realized that she was more capable than she previously thought. “Eventually, I saw the light and that only I am in charge of my destiny. I got help, I went on medication, I have a job I feel is helping the world, and I feel like I am going somewhere.”
If HACC was no longer an option for Devin, she believes the feeling of “going somewhere” may also no longer exist. “I’m sure my life would eventually go on… but I might end up feeling stuck and not like I was going towards something. HACC has made me feel like accomplishing something, no matter how long the process may take.”
Pursuing an education at HACC was all about breaking mental barriers, not just for how Devin felt about her own chances in higher education, but also for what she expected of community college. In short, Devin was afraid that she may not connect with many people in the Lancaster area and at HACC’s Lancaster campus. She said, “Maybe that was my own prejudice importing from the Philadelphia area, but I’ve met many beautiful, open-minded people.”
Devin’s goals won’t end when she graduates from HACC’s Social Services program. Afterward, she plans to transfer her HACC credits to West Chester University and one day become a social worker for adults with developmental disabilities.
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