Living in a chaotic house filled with foster children hasn’t stopped Leigh Gosney, age 47, or her biological daughter Katelyn, age 23, from pursuing higher education at MCC and beyond. Leigh has been a foster parent for 20 years. She has two biological children, four adopted and many fosters who still call her Mom.
Leigh, who married and had two biological children at a young age, didn’t consider completing her college education until recently.
“I didn’t have a lot of support when I was young,” said Leigh of Mesa. “I worked as an instructional assistant at a special education school and started fostering children. It’s been rough and has kept me busy, but I can’t imagine life without these kids.
“I tell them to make mistakes. It’s just a moment, learn from it and move forward,” she said.
She said Katelyn was always an amazing foster sister who loves her step siblings unconditionally. In fact, Katelyn missed her MCC graduation ceremony last spring because she was taking care of them so her parents could care for her adoptive brother, who has schizophrenia.
“She’s always been here for them,” Leigh said. “She's that kind of person. At 18, Katelyn got certified in respite care so she could help care for them. Her drive and courage inspired me to go back to college and complete my degree. I am so proud of her.”
Leigh said she still has seven children living in her home, with the youngest in kindergarten. This is her last set of fosters as she pursues her career in counseling.
“We’ve all grown up together,” Leigh added. “The experience pushed me into the psychology field. I wanted to give them everything and I needed the skills to help coordinate their care and advocate for them. MCC gave me the opportunity to do that."
Now, mother and daughter will both be walking in the May 2024 graduation ceremony at MCC.
Katelyn, who also attended Arizona State University, just started a new job with her associate in science in cybersecurity degree. Both mother and daughter say they are extremely grateful for the flexible options they received while attending MCC.
Leigh took most of her classes online from both the Southern and Dobson and Red Mountain campuses. She received the Mary Joyce Scholarship recently, awarded to students who demonstrate volunteer/community service activities.
“The MCC teachers and staff are amazing,” she said. “Lee Bartlett in the PIRC lab was especially helpful, the psychology department is awesome and being a part of Psi Beta has been great.
“I recommend MCC to other people it’s a great place to pursue a degree,” Leigh said. “In fact, I have another daughter who will be attending MCC next year.”