Mesa Community College (MCC) was just the place for Charlotte Fornasiero, 22, of Mesa, to try out higher education when she was not quite ready to jump directly into college after high school graduation. After a tumultuous childhood, she took a few years off to decide what she wanted to do next.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without MCC,” Fornasiero said. “I highly recommend the college to other students. MCC allowed me to sample classes, quality classes, at a lesser price. It feels like I have so many options available now.”
She said the college is a great opportunity for nontraditional students.
“It’s a great space to grow,” Fornasiero said. “I love how you get involved in not just the college, but the community as well.”
Fornasiero, who is majoring in liberal arts and studies/general studies at the Southern and Dobson Campus, plans to transfer to Arizona State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in a biology-related field such as natural resource management/wildlife conservation, followed by a master’s degree. Her career goal is to work in interpretive naturalism, preferably for organizations such as the National Forest Service.
She said working in nature is her dream job.
“The nerd in me loves to learn about nature,” Fornasiero explained. “So, to work as an interpretive naturalist is a dream job, combining teaching nature, out in nature. That would be a lot of fun.”
She also hopes to do more nature research.
“MCC classes refined my ability to write,” she said. “One of my best classes was Plant Growth and Development with Carla Brubaker. It made a huge difference in my life.”
Fornasiero said all her professors had a passion for teaching and learning. She named Bernice Belmonte, Alejandra Maya, Emma Thadani and Danette Turner as influential in her career course.
“Many teachers helped with my career, they were so flexible,” she added. “They taught me to advocate for myself. And, as a federal work-study student, I learned how to work in a professional environment and provide leadership. I have so many skills moving forward.”
Fornasiero, who graduated from MCC in December 2023, currently works part-time in the college’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement as a community engagement specialist.
“My job helps foster growth on our campus,” she said. “Working on campus got me involved in volunteering and campus events.”
Fornasiero, recently named to the All-Arizona Academic Team, has also received a scholarship from Positive Paths, which awards funds to women with significant hardships in life. She also received a Pell Grant and a Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation scholarship.
“These resources make it easier to go to school,” Fornasiero said. “MCC provided a great introductory space and now I feel ready to go on to university.”