Student Profile: Afifa
Afifa heard about the Power of YOU (POY) when she was a senior at Roosevelt High School. The tuition-free program is designed to make college attainable for Minneapolis and St. Paul public high school students. “At first, I thought there must be a catch,” she said. “But I talked to a Power of YOU advisor and found out I could get my tuition paid through financial aid. My friends didn’t believe it then, but they do now.” Her parents, who are both teachers, encouraged her to apply to MCTC when they heard about POY.
Before deciding to enroll here, Afifa checked out the University of Minnesota. “I went to one class and I think there were 800 students in it! For me, I knew I would do better with smaller classes—and that’s what MCTC offers.” When she enrolled in the fall of 2006, she was a little afraid and worried that it would be hard to figure everything out. “But my advisor showed me how to register for classes. She made me feel comfortable. The students get along well and I’ve made a lot of friends. Now MCTC feels like a second home. The instructors are nice. I like being able to talk to them one on one.” Afifa also likes MCTC’s convenient downtown location. “I don’t drive so I take the train to school. It’s easy to get here. At the beginning of the semester, I buy a discounted bus pass at the book store.”
As part of the Power of YOU program, Afifa commits to 20-hours of civic engagement (also known as volunteering or community service) each semester. She speaks with high school student about going to college and the benefits of the POY program. “It changed my life. I appreciate everyone here at MCTC who has played a part in it.”
During her first year at MCTC, Afifa took several general education classes, including Intercultural Communications. “We learned about different cultures and it was helpful on campus since there are so many different people who go to school here.”
Currently, Afifa is studying to become a dental assistant. Given her outgoing personality, it seems like a good choice since the job requires interacting with a variety of patients. Last semester, she took preclinical dental assisting and worked in a dental office to gain experience as a receptionist and in the lab. This fall, Afifa plans to complete the program with a clinical externship. Once she receives her diploma, she wants to get a full time job. For now, when Afifa isn’t in school or working part time at the Mall of America, she likes to spend time with her friends and family.
Asked if she has any advice for high school students who may be considering MCTC, Afifa replies “If you set a goal for yourself, you can do it.” Would she recommend the Power of YOU program? “Yes. In fact, I’m going to make my younger brother apply.”
