Meet Melissa: Always Dreamed of Attending HACC
Date published: March 25, 2024
York, PA
“HACC opened a door, one through which I walked and saw a chance to succeed as an individual in a renowned country like the U.S.”
Six years before graduating high school, Melissa Svistunova toured the Harrisburg Campus with her sisters and older brother. During that visit, she told a HACC employee that the College would become her future school. In reality, Melissa was unsure she could reach this goal as several obstacles stood in the way.
"Coming to the U.S. was an idea that seemed unrealistic for three sisters from a third-world country due to the extraordinary expenses," said Melissa, a triplet who hails from Cape Verde, an island country off the west coast of Africa. However, "HACC opened a door, one through which I walked and saw a chance to succeed as an individual in a renowned country like the U.S."
Now a HACC Hawk like her sisters Melanie and Maira and brother Victor, Melissa is enjoying her time at the York Campus. "HACC has provided me with an environment for learning with exceptional professors and doctors at an affordable cost, along with access to various lab equipment, something I had never used or practiced back in my home country."
Melissa is creating new memories at the College while building her foundational skills. "My favorite memory at HACC is the first day of classes. Surprisingly, I wasn't anxious at all; instead, excitement coursed through my body. It was my first step onto a road with sharp curves and steep valleys, but most importantly, one I was determined to navigate with confidence."
Melissa, who is enrolled in the College’s Biology Program, plans to take advantage of HACC's wealth of transfer opportunities. In fact, it's one of the main reasons she wanted to attend the College, and she is confident that HACC is preparing her well for this goal. "I know that HACC can seamlessly transfer my credits, which will be another step forward."
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