Jonestown, PA
Date published: Jan. 27, 2025As a teen and young adult, Michelle “preferred to learn things the hard way.” She faced countless obstacles, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and job instability.
After she became a single mother, Michelle knew that she wanted to find a way to a better life. “I always hate to say ‘everything happens for a reason,’ because when we are hurting that’s really hard to process- but every challenge I’ve overcome has left me with a new life lesson to take into the future,” Michelle said.
Her resilience has given her the courage to chase new things. “I know there is truly no obstacle I cannot overcome, even if it feels scary while doing it,” she said. “I think this has opened up the opportunity for many great experiences in my life academically, professionally and in my personal life as well.”
HACC presented Michelle with an affordable and local opportunity to try new things. She enrolled in the Structural Engineering Technology Program at HACC and began taking classes.
Taking the leap and learning new things has been key to building Michelle’s sense of self. Regardless of what she decides to pursue in the future, she said, “Starting classes at HACC has been one of the greatest things I’ve done as an adult for my own self confidence and that will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Explore your career options at HACC. Please contact an admissions counselor to visit a campus today!
