Highlander Highlights

At MCC, Antonianett feels connected and accepted. She loves that MCC is an affordable option and says that her professors have always been wonderful to her. She is a member of TRIO and says the program helped her navigate college! Antonianett says that because of her time at MCC, she has not only learned so much but now feels confident enough to continue her educational journey.

“My advice to students is that the only thing that could hinder your success is yourself. I started my educational journey when I was 28 years old. A part of this was me feeling like I wasn’t capable but the irony of it all is I never tried. I look back now and I have been very successful in college and have surpassed my initial goals. Always believe in yourself and never stop dreaming.”

Emma began working at MCC in 2021 as a doctoral intern in Student Engagement. She is a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Studies & Leadership PhD program at Baylor University. Emma chose to work at MCC during her studies as an opportunity to learn about two different types of higher education institutions.

“My favorite thing about MCC is the people. From Day 1, I was encouraged to explore my own interests and passions to shape my role around who I am as a scholar and professional. Everyone I've met has such incredible pride about attending and/or working for MCC. It's truly a culture that cares for employees and students—which in turn allows us all to thrive and reinvest in the college. I also love all the energy here. The students are passionate about the things they're involved in, and it's so exciting to be part of an institution that loves to say, 'Yes, let's make it happen.' It helps all of us to dream big and pursue the common good for those around us."

Outside of work, Emma is currently training to complete her first IRONMAN 70.3 in Waco on Oct. 6 as a part of TEAM Waco.

“TEAM Waco has allowed me to share my story openly—to normalize some of the hard things people go through and break down some stigmas around basic needs insecurity, mental health, and grad life. This experience has been a gift in my journey of healing and growing to love the people of Waco even more. It's vulnerable yet empowering to be welcomed into a community of people who will do anything to see you succeed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Additionally, it's so much more powerful to watch someone like you do something that you dream of, and I hope that my perseverance in training for IRONMAN 70.3 inspires people watching to believe that when opportunity and passion collide, anything is possible! You can learn more about my story on the TEAM Waco podcast.”

As for current students, Emma advises them to be open to learning new things about themselves, their peers, and the world around them.

“College is a clean slate—a perfect opportunity to shed layers of the past and try on new identities. College is a place where your beliefs will be challenged, and it's best to hold things with a loose grip. One thought leader describes it as having your beliefs written in pencil rather than in ink. That way, as you meet new people, take classes, and invest in opportunities, you can erase and refine what you believe about yourself, others, and the world. If you come into college with beliefs written in ink, you'll have a really hard time navigating the environment and your peers' perspectives in the classroom. You never know what incredible opportunities will come your way as you open yourself up to all that is possible!”