MCC alum overcomes adversity, named for state honor
Meridian Community College alumna Simone Hardy personifies resilience and determination.
Those qualities and others recently earned her recognition as one of five Student of the Year award recipients at the annual Mississippi Adult Education Conference.
"I'm so grateful – really, really grateful," said Hardy about receiving the award, which she admits was a surprise. "It made my day."
Hardy's path to success has not been easy. Over 13 years, the now 31-year-old faced personal losses, including the deaths of her mother and child, as well as a divorce. These hardships could have easily derailed her educationally, but they made her even more determined to achieve her goals.
Her perseverance paid off in 2023 when she came to Meridian Community College and earned her High School Equivalency. She then enrolled in the College's MIBEST/Culinary Arts program, earning certificates in both the career and technical portions of Culinary Arts.
But she didn't stop there; her commitment to her education continued as she pursued and received an associate of applied science degree in May; today, she's doing kitchen prep work and cooking at the Downtown Meridian restaurant, Fare on Eighth.
Jamila Brown Coleman, director of adult education at MCC, said Hardy's achievements have transformed her life. But that's not all – those accomplishments have inspired others. "Her academic excellence was recognized with her induction into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. And at MCC's graduation, she offered the benediction," Cole noted.
Hardy credits MCC instructors and administration. "The president of the school, all my teachers – they always greeted me with a smile. They made me want to come. They helped me whenever I needed help," she said. She especially pointed to the assistance she received from Coleman and AnHoward Hill, MCC Culinary Arts Technology Program instructor and coordinator.
What advice would she give others? "It doesn't matter the age or the time – just do it. Just do it, whatever the goal, whatever the dream you have. Write down the vision and make it plain. Just take one step at a time. And God will lead the way. And never give up. If you fail one time, get up. Or if you fall one time, get up and just try it again," she said.
With a desire to learn ignited, Hardy is ready. "So, now, nothing can stop me. I have my high school diploma and my associate of applied science degree. I made it through all that, and now I can do what I want," she said. She's thinking about returning to college to earn a bachelor's degree in culinary, and she's considering studying graphic design.
Hardy added, "There's more to accomplish."
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/adulteducation.