Alumni

Erika began her journey at MCC in 2021 upon graduating high school. During her time at MCC, Erika was a member of the Honors College, Phi Theta Kappa, and TRIO. When describing her time in these organizations, Erika said, “Each of these programs gave me a strong sense of belonging and connection. I met people who were in the same season of life as me, and together we built friendships and support systems that made a lasting impact.”

Erika earned her associate degree in General Academics from MCC and is now entering her second year of MCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is also working on her bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University! When she’s on campus and needs a moment of peace, you can find Erika on the arbor swings soaking in the beauty of campus. Erika says, “It’s a space that inspires reflection and I encourage everyone to take a moment to really enjoy it.”

Erika would like for current students to know, “There is a place for you here at MCC. You just have to take that first step, get involved, and make connections. You’ll be surprised how much support and community is waiting for you.”

 Juan Arredondo attended MCC from Fall 2018 to Fall 2020. He initially pursued criminology, but halfway through his associate degree, he discovered a passion for psychology and decided to change majors.

During his time at MCC, Juan was actively involved in the TRIO program and credits his professors as being instrumental to his academic success.

Since graduating, Juan has earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tarleton State University–Waco. He currently works as a Psychology Technician at the VISN17 Center of Excellence, where he supports research focused on veteran mental health. This fall, he will begin a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University.

Juan offers three key pieces of advice for current students:

“First, find and build a strong community. College can introduce new stressors, and having a support system is incredibly helpful during those times. Second, don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's from a professor, tutor, or fellow student, remember that you're investing in your education—utilize all the resources your school offers to ensure your success! Finally, learn to manage your time effectively early on. While it sounds simple, it demands discipline and focus. Mastering this skill, even if it takes months or years, will benefit you in your future career.”