MCC students find a home away from home through Student Services
For three Meridian Community College students, some of the most meaningful lessons have come from the people who encourage them outside the college classroom.
Zy’Keria Ford, Carson Willis, and Courtney Smith are students in MCC’s Meridian Collegiate Academy (MCA), which allows local high school students to earn college credits while finishing high school. Through MCC’s Student Services Division, they have found mentors, friendships, and a place where they feel at home.
Their experiences are being highlighted during Careers in Student Affairs Month, a national observance held each October to recognize professionals who support college students.
For Ford, 18, that support began early in her college career. She met Jan Freeman, MCC Campus Police administrator, while volunteering at MCC’s My College Cares community service event last year.
"I feel like that sparked my MCC journey," Ford said.
Since then, Freeman has helped Ford with schoolwork, shared a job opportunity, and offered advice about her future. Ford plans to study criminal justice at the University of Mississippi and become a lawyer.
"If I just need somebody to talk to, and we're not even talking about school, I can go talk to Ms. Jan," Ford said. "It's like home away from home."
Smith, 17, a senior in MCA, said Freeman and the Campus Police officers have become trusted mentors.
"They've welcomed us with open arms," Smith said. "They're like our high school counselors. You know in college, you don't have people who you can just run to, to talk with, get help."
Smith, who hopes to pursue a doctor of pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi or Howard University, said the Campus Police office has become a place she can turn to for advice and encouragement.
"This is my safe place if I need anything, encouraging words. They're here for that, the whole station, the officers," she said.
For Willis, 17, a stop at the campus police office offers a welcome break from balancing college classes, high school football, work, and other activities.
"If it's not school here, it's school at MHS. If it's not that, it's football. If not that, it's work. It's always something," he said.
But the support goes beyond having a place to relax. When Willis struggled in math, Freeman and others encouraged him to visit MCC's tutorial math lab, where he found the help he needed.
"They literally just forced me to go to the lab, and it ended up helping a lot," he said.
Willis plans to study business administration and political science and is considering Jackson State University and Alabama A&M University.
Despite their busy schedules, all three students have remained involved in campus life. Smith counts My College Cares among her favorite experiences because of the opportunity to meet new people and serve the community.
For Willis, the relationships he has built are what stand out most.
"Just being around here, getting to know people, I'd say that's the highlight," he said.
Though their career paths differ, the three students share an appreciation for the Student Services professionals who have helped make MCC a place where they feel supported and connected.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.