During her time at Mesa Community College, Hannya Jimenez, 21, of Mesa, said she not only loved her classes and professors, but the campus activities as well.

“I will never forget the organized events like astronomy nights,” said Jimenez, who works at the MCC Enrollment Center. “I love the community.”

Jimenez, originally from Mexico, found out about MCC while she was visiting a childhood friend who lived near the college.

“One of our friends recommended it and I ended up enrolling that same day,” she said.

Jimenez took some online classes but also attended classes on campus so she could experience in-person learning. First, though, she needed to overcome a few obstacles.

“Being new to the country, and by myself, I had no car and I had to figure several things out,” she said.

After tackling the challenges, Jimenez is proud she was eventually awarded student of the month.

“I’ve had such great teachers, for example, Kimberly Norris, my math teacher who helped a lot,” Jimenez said. “She was the best teacher I’ve ever had.”

Jimenez studied graphic design while at MCC. Her coursework helped her develop skills in the areas of photography, digital imaging and design. She also learned to create images, layouts, typography, packaging, motion and interactive graphics and branding in various print and digital media.

After she graduates from MCC, Jimenez plans to take one year off, and then work toward her bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Northern Arizona University.

During her time at MCC, Jimenez was in the Honors Program and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a prestigious honor society that recognizes academic excellence in two-year colleges.

“It’s been amazing to be here,” Jimenez said. “Everyone cares about you.”