Miguelina Meireles, a single, working mother of two wanted to exemplify her passion for education and personal development and be a positive example for her daughters. Upon completing her GED, Miguelina decided to achieve her higher education dreams at PVCC.
PVCC taught Miguelina the importance of community and the value each interaction brings to a student’s sense of belonging. While there were many employees that guided and inspired her from counseling to administration, the Honors Program team, led by Dr. John Douglass, Paul Golisch and Meggin Kirk, were the catalysts for her growth and achievements. In addition to supporting her daily; they gave her one of the most memorable adulthood moments by believing she could capably represent PVCC’s adult learners as a commencement speaker. Delivering the commencement speech was by far one of her most inspiring moments throughout her education journey.
The most positive memory she has of her experience at PVCC is the sense of community and camaraderie is. Having been out of school for some time, finding the right environment to help you grow is fundamental to success. Storytelling, with Meggin Kirk and the Festival of Tales were highlights of her PVCC experience. “Ms. Kirk was simply amazing: her energy, her passion and the fact that she enabled each student to find their voice was a thrilling process.” The PVCC family propelled her to complete her Associate’s degree, Bachelors and Masters degrees.
“PVCC is a family business for us.” Her daughter followed in Miguelina’s footsteps and also graduated from PVCC. “The level of integration and faculty excellence set the standard that has not been matched once I left PVCC.” In summary, Miguelina states, “PVCC changed my life.”