芭乐视频官网

Neither a pandemic nor major illness slowed Daisy Mendez 鈥�24 on her college journey.

A transfer student who arrived at LVC in Fall 2022, Mendez is one step closer to becoming an聽elementary teacher聽and inspiring the next generation of young learners.

鈥淢y elementary school teachers really supported me because school was hard at first. My parents couldn鈥檛 help with homework or other things due to the language barrier, and I was just barely getting ahold of the language myself,鈥� said Mendez, who was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at an early age.

鈥淵ou could tell the teachers loved their jobs and cared about their students. That made me want to be a teacher, too,鈥� she said.

Mendez received her associate degree from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and became the first recipient of LVC鈥檚 new full-tuition scholarship for a HACC graduate.

鈥淭he new scholarship cleared a roadblock in my educational journey. After graduating from HACC, I was concerned about where I would be able to afford to transfer to and finish my degree. It is a blessing that LVC is offering this scholarship to HACC graduates, who work hard and have a goal in mind but don鈥檛 always have the financial means to achieve it.鈥�

Like LVC鈥檚 supportive environment, Mendez said HACC did an excellent job facilitating the transition between high school and college.

鈥淥verall, HACC was a great first step for me鈥攖o stay close to home and get started on my college journey,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ACC has resources to help their students, including a writing/tutoring center with peer and staff mentors who are always there when you have a question or need help studying. HACC fulfilled most of my general education requirements, making the transition much smoother in terms of transferring credits.鈥�

While the pandemic threw Mendez a curveball during her HACC studies, her doctor simultaneously pitched in some bad news鈥攕he was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mendez considered dropping out of school.

鈥淪ince classes were already online due to the pandemic, I figured I鈥檇 continue as much as possible,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y schoolwork gave me something else to focus on and work toward other than completing my treatments and recovering.鈥�

Mendez finished her treatment in time to attend her HACC graduation and is ready for a more traditional college experience of a four-year college, including meeting new people and getting involved on campus.

鈥淭he LVC staff I met during the application process strived to meet my needs and address my concerns,鈥� said Mendez. 鈥淣umerous people have offered their support throughout my educational journey. My family and friends, who have been by my side through the good and the bad and uplifted me through it all. Many of my teachers have been mentors with their advice and for inspiring me countless times. Of course, the people who helped me when I applied to LVC, Mr. Ed Wright [vice president of enrollment management] and Mr. Scott Myers [associate director of admission], who guided me with their generosity and kindness. This made me feel welcome and wanted at LVC. It is clear that LVC has the best intentions for their students.鈥�