Breaking the Mold

Transcript

Now, let’s go to South Mountain Community College whose founding mission is to promote social and economic change in South Phoenix, and get to know Manas who has an international background and marches to the beat of his own drum. All right, Manas, we’re ready to hear about your time at South Mountain, take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. And hello, everyone. I was born in a Muslim country to a Hindu family on Christmas with a complicated sense of belonging and a predisposition to break the mold. Attending college was always a non-negotiable and my family was willing to support every single one of my educational goals. However, due to some residency complications that limited my access to financial aid, I had to find quality higher learning that was affordable. When I chose South Mountain Community College, I didn’t have a clear direction of what I wanted to do, but the college made sure I received the proper amount of attention I needed to be successful in any program. Even through my indecision and self-doubt, the college always offered me a place where I could be myself and fit in. I’ve taken an array of classes from biology to abnormal psych, to Chicano literature, all of which have had outstanding professors and a diverse student base with amazing perspectives. My professors have always offered extraordinary leadership and mentorship. Being that SMCC is in a diverse community where many of the students are first generation college students, the staff directly sees the impact they’re making on the community. This makes for an inviting and fulfilling environment of collaboration. Also, breaking the stigma that comes with being a community college. After a long hiatus, I am back to finish my degree and transfer to a bachelor’s program. SMCC has programs that can directly transfer to any of the four year universities in Arizona. South Mountain Community College has shown me how to break the mold by being a small college with huge values and dedication to its students and its community. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Manas, you are definitely breaking the mold, my friend. It’s awesome that you found the right environment at South Mountain Community College to excel in with the support of your professors and you’re sure to inspire others. Good luck on your journey to getting that bachelor’s degree. Take care.