Anya

Anya was already a college graduate and pharmacist when she left her friends and family in her home country of Ukraine. Starting over in a new country, she wanted a new career – one that could help change her life and her daughter's life for a better future.

So she enrolled at Howard Community College, where she took classes in her third language, all while balancing school with a job and being a single parent.

“I still remember my first day at Howard Community College, grabbing brochures and knocking on every single door looking for a solution and help,” she said. She forged relationships with tutors and teachers, who provided support and became role models.

“HCC has helped me to discover my inner self to become a person that I am today – independent, motivated, and confident.”

And, she made the most of her time on campus, attending office hours of her professors and taking advantage of tutoring every week, which allowed her to complete nearly all of her school work while on campus so she could spend quality time with her daughter while at home.

Anya also found support from peers in the Career Links program, designed for single parents and displaced homemakers. Through the program, she found access to resources to help her along the way, and camaraderie with others facing the same challenges.

“Without their help and inspiration, I would not be standing here right now,” Anya, who served as student speaker at 2018 commencement ceremony, told the graduating class. “Support from my new family helped me to achieve my desire of earning my degree in the competitive program of Diagnostic Medical sonography.

“I grew from the girl who came to this country and was scared to order pizza at the mall to the woman that has become a leader.”