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Sometimes, opportunity is not about where you are. Sometimes it is about your mindset. Even though premedical transfer student Denaija Parker initially viewed community college as a “backup” option, her perspective completely changed once she started at Anne Arundel Community College.
“When you step foot in your job, you step foot in your career or at a school you go to, that's your chance to be a different you, a better you, and to better yourself,” she said.
At AACC, Parker discovered new sides of herself. From exploring her creative talents in ceramics classes to developing leadership skills as an SGA senator and Swoop Squad member, she found countless ways to grow.
“A lot of opportunities and just a lot of growth … has happened by being here at AACC. It has been a great place for me, a very welcoming and just uplifting and encouraging environment.”
Although her ultimate goal is a career in dermatology, Parker’s ceramics classes have become a source of joy and self-expression. She found the confidence to embrace her unique perspective, thanks to the encouragement of Associate Professor Sara Prigodich.
“She just inspires me to just be myself in any room that I step foot in,” Parker said.
This personal growth shines through in her works like “Masterpiece,” which was featured in the 2024 Student Art Exhibition. Outside of her creative pursuits, Parker relied on resources like the math tutoring lab to succeed in challenging courses.
“I was in the math tutor every single day after class. In the moment, it didn't feel like it was paying off, but I kept pushing through each day, and it all paid off. It's a lot of behind-the-scenes work that I do to be the person that I am today as well.”
Looking back, Parker has no regrets about starting her college journey at AACC, and she has come a long way from feeling discouraged about attending a community college.
“There's been so many good memories here that I can't choose. Every single day that I step foot in this school it has been life-changing for me.”