蜜桃影像

Many graduates overcame large obstacles in their academic journeys. Here are a few of their stories:

Ebony Batts dropped out of college twice to raise her two children. Fast forward nearly 20 years. Her daughter enrolled at a college and her high-school-aged son convinced Ebony that it was her turn to pursue her college degree. She enrolled at HCCC to complete her Liberal Arts degree. 鈥淥nce I made it through the first semester, like mothers do to children when they get older, my children let my hand go and said 鈥業 believe in you. Now you believe in yourself.鈥� I did just that,鈥� she reflected.

Wicunaa Campbell moved from Florida to New Jersey and lived on her sister鈥檚 couch while working full time and attending the College. Initially she failed many classes due to stress, a lack of motivation and sleep, and the death of a friend. Wicunaa will receive her Associate in Science degree in Computer Science on May 21. 鈥淚 was homeschooled my whole life but I didn鈥檛 learn much,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 did math at a third-grade level when I was 21. There was no structure when I was growing up. I had to teach myself grammar at age 12 from Google on an old laptop my uncle gave me after losing a bet. I鈥檝e had my own room since 2024 and have been crushing my classes.鈥�

Deysi Campuzano is an Ecuadorian immigrant and the first in her family to earn a college degree, an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice. She found a sense of belonging and empowerment at the College.  鈥淚 was afraid of who I would become, how everything would unfold, and what my future would hold,鈥� Deysi said. 鈥淐oincidentally, my grandfather told my uncles 鈥楧on鈥檛 look back鈥� when they emigrated to the United States. It鈥檚 the same thing my parents told me when I arrived at the airport. Now I鈥檓 adjusting to the rhythm of life in the United States, working, studying, and trying to give my best. You can鈥檛 go far by staying in your comfort zone.鈥�

Jamie and Jonathan Lowman are siblings and former college dropouts. Jamie will receive her Associate in Science in Medical Science degree; Jonathan will receive his Associate in Art in Business-Liberal Arts degree. 鈥淚 graduated high school thinking I wanted to teach, but I wasn鈥檛 sure if that was what I really wanted. I ended up in banking, something I was decent at but didn鈥檛 really care about,鈥� Jamie said. 鈥淚 gave the Certified Nurses Aide course at HCCC a try. I loved it. I decided to pursue a degree in 2019. I returned after the pandemic, around the same time my brother enrolled.鈥�

Susan Lucas is a 38-year-old Mexican-American wife, mom of two, and survivor who fled domestic violence. Susan will receive her Associate鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education. 鈥淥ne of my sons has multiple disabilities, and it鈥檚 one of the reasons I had difficulty in school, because I鈥檓 constantly needed. Overall, I am a happy woman,鈥� she said. 

Azhane McDaniel is a mother of two girls and the first in her family to earn her college degree, an Associate in Science in Human Services/Pre-Social Work. She worked part-time in the Early College Program and balanced college, home, federal work study, and honor society memberships. 鈥淢any opportunities have come my way during my journey at HCCC,鈥� she said, noting that she plans to transfer to New Jersey City University.

Jessica Morales will receive her Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education degree 20 years after graduating high school. She is a mom of three, ages 19, 15, and 6, and her eldest attends HCCC. 鈥淚鈥檝e had the privilege of experiencing college life with my oldest child and also my two younger brothers who are currently HCCC students,鈥� Jessica noted. 鈥淢y advice is to keep pushing forward, even if it feels like baby steps.鈥�

Mahamat Sakine Hissein is from Chad and studied pharmacy in Sudan before winning a visa lottery in 2021 and moving to the United States. He was set to go back to complete his pharmacy studies, but civil war in Sudan prompted a change of plans. 鈥淭he problem was that my university in Sudan was closed because of the war, and I could not get my official papers to bring to the U.S.A., so I faced a significant obstacle,鈥� Mahamat said. He enrolled at HCCC, taking English as a Second Language classes. He will receive his Associate in Science in Science and Mathematics - Biotechnology degree.

Dr. Joseph Segriff is a former Montclair State University and New Jersey City University adjunct professor and lifelong learner. He holds six HCCC degrees (Health Services, Sociology, History, Psychology, Biology and Biotechnology), and this year will receive his Associate in Science in Criminal Justice degree, his 33^rd college degree! 鈥淚t will be my 23^rd undergraduate degree, for I already have ten graduate degrees, which include three earned doctorates, six master鈥檚 degrees, and a post-master鈥檚 鈥楽pecialist in Education鈥� graduate degree from Rutgers University,鈥� he said.