Stories of Excellence
Celina Taylor
The first time Celina Taylor stepped onto Mitchell’s campus in 2009, she did not know where her journey would take her. Yet she had a dream – a desire to change her life and the lives of her children.
Growing up just south of Detroit, higher education was not a probable future for Taylor, whose peers found jobs in factories or industries that supported factories. In 2007, after the birth of one of her four children, Taylor began searching for a way to challenge herself and to inspire her children to pursue their passions. Two years later, Taylor came to Mitchell and began exploring interests and opportunities. Becoming a Student Ambassador helped open doors for her. “I didn’t realize it at the time,” Taylor recounts, “but my tenure as an Ambassador would put me on the path to a career I could have only dreamed about just 5 short years ago.”
Ever the diligent student, the support of Mitchell’s faculty and staff helped her to overcome obstacles that could have impeded her journey. After graduating with a 3.97 GPA, Taylor continued her studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Medieval Studies. Through the help of scholarships and other student funding options, Taylor earned her 4-year degree with minimal debt. “So many people believe that they cannot afford to pursue their education, but that is a myth,” Taylor said. “There are programs designed to help, and the administrators and counselors at Mitchell can help you navigate the deep waters of financial aid.”
In 2014, her family moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where Taylor has been able to engage in passions that were ignited while at Mitchell: writing and fundraising. Taylor now freelances for a local publication, Steamboat Magazine, and she was recently named the Director of Development for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado. Drawing on skills attained while working as an Ambassador for Mitchell, Taylor feels she now has a rewarding career that directly impacts the daily lives of children in her community.
“I cannot emphasize enough how pivotal my time at Mitchell Community College was to the betterment of my life and the lives of those in my care,” Taylor emphasized. “All of my instructors provided me with the platform and skills to be successful. Dr. Eason and Dr. Brewer, along with their amazing staff, encouraged me daily to keep pushing, keep dreaming.” Taylor firmly believes Mitchell Community College changed her life and can change the lives of others.
Learn more about how you can change your life at Mitchell and excel at your goals! Discover degrees and programs Mitchell offers then find out how to apply. For additional support, speak to an advisor at (704) 978-5493 or advising@mitchellcc.edu.