MCC helps 28-year-old find path to true career passion, helping children

MOHAVE COUNTY – Hydie Romero, 28, has lived in Kingman most of her life, graduated from Kingman High School, got married, enjoys spending time with her family, and a year ago decided to continue her education at Mohave Community College.

She is currently a part-time student in the Early Childhood Education program. Romero decided to study early childhood education because she wants to become a teacher and hopefully one day open her own daycare center.

After enrolling in MCC she had a door of opportunity open for her. Romero said she was offered two daycare positions once employers saw she is attending MCC to study childhood education.

“MCC has put me on the path to accomplish my goal of working with children because once I became a student I received a job opportunity to work at a daycare center and get hands-on experience,” Romero said. “I believe attending MCC made it easier for me to get a job in my field of interest.”

She works at the Lily Pad Day Care Center where she works with young children. Since starting her educational journey, she applies what she learns in the classroom to her job.

Romero is an MCC Foundation Scholarship recipient. She earned the Grace H. Neal Memorial Scholarship. Romero didn’t know she was receiving the scholarship so it came as a surprise to her.

“Receiving the scholarship helped me to continue my education without having the stress of paying out of pocket or taking out a large loan,” she said. “I was very excited and proud to myself to have received this scholarship.”

The scholarship paid for her classes and prevented her from taking out a student loan that she would have to pay later. Romero also filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which has helped her with paying for school.

Romero said she hasn’t had to pay out of pocket because she received the Grace H. Neal Memorial Scholarship, a Pell Grant and funds from The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Romero is a first-generation college student, which means she is one of the first in her family to attend a higher education institution.

“I was nervous because I never thought of myself as good in school but I knew I have to prove to myself that I can reach my goals,” Romero said. “When I needed assistance to apply for college I called MCC and they walked me through the application process.”

She said she applied during the COVID pandemic and called the Student Success Center almost every day to receive help and make sure everything was in order for her first day of class.

She was recently inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Chi Omega Kingman chapter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their families. Romero has two dogs and a turtle. She was also a guest student speaker during MCC President Fall Reception where she shared her story to guests.

MCC is currently enrolling students in Spring and Summer semesters, which begin January 18 and May 24.  Applying to become an MCC student is free, and people are encouraged to apply soon and sign up for classes before they fill up.  The application can be filled out online at Apply.Mohave.edu, or by seeking assistance at the nearest campus.  Those interested in services the college provides may find them on the college website www.Mohave.edu or by calling 866-MOHAVECC. 

See Hydie’s story in the MCC Newscast

Hydie Romero is an Early Childhood Education student and is an MCC Foundation scholarship recipient. She has been a student for a year and has had a great experience at MCC.