An Open Letter to Anyone Considering College

Two years ago, when I was considering whether or not I should go to college, I honestly thought I would fail- I was 33 and hadn’t been in school since I was 16. I had a GED; I was working full time but still didn’t have a savings account. I was having problems in my personal relationships – including with my boss. In other words, I thought I had a lot of reasons NOT to enroll- but I wanted to say “at least I tried”- I resolved to give my best effort and use financial aid and student loans.

HCCC offered me the option to take all of my classes 100% online, which meant I could continue with my full-time work schedule. After I enrolled, I was connected to my advisor, Ms. Whitney. She helped me choose classes that I was genuinely interested in- rather than what I thought I would be good at- and I ended up learning a lot.  My professors were genuinely helpful and encouraging and I think they all love their careers. Some of them were mentors, and all of them are role models to me.

I got a degree in General Studies which means I got to try a lot of different subjects and explore what I was most interested in. I started out with curiosity in Psychology and History, and ended up with a passion for science, and American Law. HCCC is where I fell in love with learning again and found my calling to share that love of learning with others.

My dream is to become a professor, like the ones at HCCC who inspired me to share my love of learning with others. I encourage you to be curious- you might discover purpose, like I did, and you’ll certainly learn.

Signed,

Hannah Kulishova, a 2025 Graduate of HCCC