Not everyone starts college on a bet, but such began Melanie Rodriguez’ college journey. Her oldest daughter bet that it was too hard. “Now I had something to prove.”
Her youngest attended daycare at an ACE partnership site, and, with determination, Melanie inquired about the program. But soon realized she didn’t know where to start! A first generation college student, the application process and financial aid documentation were unfamiliar. Into the story walked Dr. Mrinalini Sebatian, the ACE site coordinator, who welcomed Melanie and walked her through the enrollment process.
The first semester was challenging. Melanie felt overwhelmed adding college classes to a fulltime work schedule and family life with four daughters, ages 7-23. Academic expectations also seemed unreachably high. “I’ve been out of school for twenty years! How do I write a paragraph? How do I act as a student?” She completed the first semester, but decided she needed a break to get organized and prepared to put her best foot forward. “I needed to identify and settle into a routine. I gathered my family and my mother and asked them for support.” Now knowing what to expect, Melanie was ready by the time the next semester came. “I got this.”
With her Mom watching the children, the older helping the younger and preparing meals, Melanie was able to dive into her studies in behavioral science. The professors were very understanding and patient, taking the time to explain subject matter and assignments. “They work to help you succeed.” Melanie was able to immediately apply classroom learning to her work as an advocate for victims of crime. “I understood the brain better, and learned to really listen to how an event was traumatic for a person. It even helped me with my kids!” She invited her daughter to sit in on classes on more than one occasion. Graduation, too, was a family affair. All of her daughters watched Melanie cross the stage and take hold of the degree she worked so hard for. She proved to her daughter(s) that it could be done! Proudest of all was her mother, who had not graduated high school, and never imagined her daughter attaining higher education.
A naturally curious and empathetic person, Melanie aims to become a therapist. She now has confidence as a student, setting her sights on a Bachelor’s in Psychology.