Student Spotlight: Celebrating Felipa’s Remarkable Journey!
Posted by katie.weibel
Meet Felipa Martinez Contreras, a shining example of determination and achievement in our PCC community! Felipa’s path to success has been marked by incredible resilience and a steadfast commitment to her educational goals. Felipa, a mother raising her child, faced educational barriers as a woman in Mexico before moving to the US. Despite doubts and discouragement, she seized the opportunity during COVID-19 to pursue her GED at Portland Community College (PCC). It was here she met Carolina Blanco, a Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP coach, who saw Felipa’s drive and encouraged her every step of the way.
With Carolina’s support, Felipa not only earned her GED but also achieved TWO Associates degrees – one in Accounting and another in Business Management – from PCC. She recently received a prestigious scholarship from The Ford Family Foundation, enabling her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Warner Pacific University.
Felipa’s journey is fueled by her commitment to her career goals and gratitude towards those who believe in her. She plans to give back by volunteering in programs like tax preparation for low-income and elderly communities, believing in the power of community support and investing in others’ dreams as others have done for her.
The Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP program has been transformative for Felipa, providing crucial support and guidance that empowered her to strive for excellence. “I just needed someone to say I’m capable – that reassurance is exactly what this program provides, and more students should know about it!,” Felipa emphasized.
Felipa’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of educational support that our PCC Career Pathways & STEP program provides. Congratulations, Felipa, on your extraordinary achievements! Your dedication and resilience inspire us all. ???
