MCC student receives $10,000, named 2020 Kathy Hodel Award recipient

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May 13, 2020
Online news release Click here > https://www.mohave.edu/2020/05/13/mcc-student-receives-10000-named-2020-kathy-hodel-award-recipient
MCC NEWS

Mohave Community College
Colorado City         Bullhead City           Kingman           Lake Havasu City          Online
 
May 2020                                                         Media Contact: MCC Communications Director James Jarman
                                                                                                         JJarman@Mohave.edu
MCC student receives $10,000, named 2020 Kathy Hodel Award recipient
MOHAVE COUNTY – Jennifer Jaimes Gomez is a first-generation college student and the fourth of her sisters to attend Mohave Community College. Gomez is an elementary education major and will transfer to Arizona State University in Lake Havasu City to pursue her bachelor’s in education.
During her time at MCC, she has been an extraordinary student, so much so, that she has been awarded the 2020 Kathy Hodel Most Outstanding Student Award. Receiving this award means that Gomez will earn $10,000 cash for her to put toward anything she wants.  
“I’m truly humbled to be a recipient of this award. I know that there are so many hard-working and deserving students so it couldn’t have been an easy decision,” Gomez said.
Gomez will put the money toward her finances while attending ASU in Lake Havasu. Her sisters have always been her number one fans and couldn’t believe that she had won when Gomez told them the news.
Gomez said they always prank each other, so when she told me she was the winner for the award they didn’t believe her until they read the message.
While attending MCC she was an active member of Student Activities Council (SAC) and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). During her last year she was SAC president and PTK-Bullhead City campus chapter public relations officer.
This year she was also honored in becoming a 2020 All Arizona Academic Team member where she has the opportunity of attending any Arizona state university with no cost of tuition.
While attending MCC, Gomez has received countless support from faculty and staff, and has learned new qualities that she will carry into the next chapter in her life.
“During my time at MCC, I have been very fortunate to receive countless support from faculty and staff. I could name countless individuals who have been by my side cheering me on and supporting me to be a better person and student,” Gomez said.
Gomez would like to thank MCC Accreditation Liaison/Compliance Officer Danette Bristle and Instructor Teresa Thurman for being by her side throughout her time at MCC.
Attending college, Gomez learned what it means to be a true leader by learning from other peers and mentors.
“I saw leadership through a new lens when I saw students use their voice to uplift and encourage other students who were stressed and tired. I saw leadership in the helping hands that immediately offered their time when there were few volunteers for events. I saw leadership in the mentors that guided students to not fear standing up for what they believe in,” she said. “Most importantly, I learned that leadership is not a position or a title. Leadership is the collection of actions that each individual takes to make this world a better place.” 
Gomez decided to pursue a career in education because she would like to be the next teacher to influence future generations. For her becoming an educator means being a mentor, a friend, a support system and a student’s number one fan.
“For many students, teachers provide their second home. A safe space for students to be their true selves. I want to teach to inspire and motivate a future generation of learners that believe in themselves and their ability to enable change,” Gomez said.
Gomez has been impacting students already through her volunteering with Americorp and AdviseAZ as a college advisor. She would serve as a bridge for high school students who were getting ready to attend college. She assisted them with filling out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), college admission applications and scholarship opportunities.
She will be recognized during the awards announcement portion of the college Virtual 2020 MCC Graduates Recognition Ceremony, which premieres on the college Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/MohaveCC) and YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/MohaveCCVideos) Friday, May 15 at 3:00 p.m.
The college is currently enrolling students for summer and fall semesters.  The free application is available online at www.Mohave.edu, if you need assistance contact MCC Connect at 1-866-MOHAVECC or 866-664-2832.