Meet Tsighereda: First-Generation Student Realizing Her Dream

Date published: July 22, 2024

Lancaster, PA

"HACC is enriched with a very welcoming environment and faculty members that anyone can count on."

Tsighereda, a social sciences major and first-generation student, has loved school since she was a child. Unfortunately, her educational pursuits had to wait after she had to flee her home country and reside in a refugee camp for several years.

In 2010, Tsighereda moved to the U.S. and was eager to return to school and pursue her dreams. First, however, she spent time caring for her five children as a stay-at-home parent. “Through this all, the fervent love for school that I always have had never faded out,” she said. “Years passed by and the day I have been waiting patiently for has come!”

Tsighereda chose HACC for the College’s affordable tuition, diversity and quality education. “I love HACC so much because of its inclusive community and affordability,” she said, and added, “HACC is enriched with a very welcoming environment and faculty members that anyone can count on.”

Though Tsighereda was apprehensive about starting college, she found HACC to be a welcoming environment. “I was so nervous about me being from another race and that English being my second language would hinder me integrating with the classroom structure,” she said. “Thankfully, the professors at HACC are not just academic instructors; they are real people who understand how you feel. I overcame my nervousness and concerns because of those wonderful, passionate professors.”

Today, Tsighereda is a proud mother of five, college student, gospel singer and full-time paraprofessional assisting students with autism. After she graduates from HACC, Tsighereda plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.