Meet Richard: Found a Second Chance at HACC

Date published: April 25, 2024

Lebanon, PA

"You have to see it to believe it at HACC!"

A general studies major at the Lebanon Campus, Richard originally attended a four-year state school before switching to HACC. "The attention I get is much more personalized at HACC, and I can confidently say I know where to go if I need help with something," he said, noting that the College put him on the right track toward success.

HACC gave Richard a second chance to "get better grades and get better opportunities," and since starting at the College, he has blossomed. Richard recently received straight A's for the first time and was selected for the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program. He said, "I thought my days in academia were far behind me, but now I can see far ahead into a future I didn't believe in. You have to see it to believe it at HACC!"

In addition to HACC's commitment to personal attention, Richard enjoys the flexibility, noting that the College has "given me peace of mind knowing that I am on the right track in life. The classes are flexible enough that I can fit them around my schedule."

Richard overcame several obstacles to get to where he is today, and he said those experiences made him a hardworking person. "My parents were undocumented immigrants, and they separated when I was very young. I jumped around from state to state, and any time I found a community that offered me support and guidance, I had to move again," he said. "I've been homeless, neglected and have gone through food insecurity. I felt anxious and worried all the time. I started having panic attacks, and I felt very lonely. As much as I wish things could have been different, I know that I was meant to overcome all of those challenges, and I am an honest, responsible and hardworking person not in spite of these obstacles, but because of them. Gandhi says to be the change you wish to see. Stoicism says that the only thing you can control is your response. My education and my experience make me who I am."

After graduating from HACC, Richard plans to earn a bachelor's degree in economics or a business-related field.