Mesa Community College (MCC) has been an important part of Robert Rangel’s life for many years. Both of his parents, Ron and Tina Rangel, worked at the Southern and Dobson Campus most of his life. As a preschooler, Rangel attended the MCC Children’s Center.
“I remember the experience I had as a child exploring the campus,” said Rangel, who is now age 20 and a Tempe resident. “So, when I decided to attend MCC after high school, I knew where everything was.”
As he enrolled in classes as an adult, his parents provided insight on whom to talk with when he needed assistance.
“Their recommendations made things easier” added Rangel, who plans to teach high school or college. “My mom, a teacher, recommended which education classes to take.”
Graduating from MCC this spring with an Associate in Arts degree, he plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a degree in secondary education with an emphasis on history.
“I find history leads you down an interesting rabbit hole of stories,” he said. “I grew up with the internet and always looked up things on YouTube. I’ve realized we can learn so much from history. The same events are still prevalent today, it’s just a different time. Technology changes but people don’t.”
Rangel is looking forward to teaching high school or college classes after earning his bachelor's degree. He said he couldn’t name one particular teacher or staff member who helped him while he attended MCC.
“I can’t give you a list of teachers. There are just so many people who helped me. I can’t name just one.”
He does, however, believe that every class at MCC helped him along the way. “I learned so much in my elective classes. They really helped me understand life itself. Taking these classes right out of high school, my mind was blown.”
Rangel also found the campus library to be an invaluable resource when things got tough.
“Escaping to the library was so helpful when I needed time between classes and a quiet space,” he said. “It’s the perfect place that allows you to stay on campus and get work done.”