Graduating with Highest Honor and earning a degree in Mathematics this May, Fatoumata Sacko is the Class of 2025 student speaker. Community College of Philadelphia gave her the opportunity to start over and accomplish her goals, and work to help others reach their potential.

As an immigrant, mother and first-generation student, Fatoumata encountered challenges but always kept moving forward. While still learning English, she struggled at first with understanding lectures and keeping up with assignments.

“I didn’t give up. I asked for help and stayed late to study,” she said.

The support and assistance from other students, a mentor and staff at CCP helped Fatoumata become more confident in her abilities, and she was encouraged to give back to others.

She volunteered as a mentor through AmeriCorps, helping other students navigate their college experience and became a math tutor for students in nearby schools through the College’s Adopt-A-School program. Fatoumata also helped students at CCP as a Lion Leader.

“I developed a good sense of leadership. I have learned so many things. The support makes me want to give back to my community,” she said.

Fatoumata’s academic achievements have earned her several scholarships, including the All-PA Academic Team Scholarship, the PECO Scholarship for STEM students, and she is currently a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, which would provide funds to mostly cover tuition, fees, living expenses, and books as she works toward her bachelor’s degree.

She hopes others can learn from her story and pursue their education, even if they have doubts.

“It’s going to be hard, but I’m an immigrant, and I came here in 2022. I am a single mother, I go to school and I work as a tutor. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s possible. I’ve gotten a lot of scholarships and have served my community. Resiliency is the key,” said Fatoumata.

As she prepares for transfer to a four-year program, Fatoumata is grateful for her time at the College.

“CCP gave me the space to grow, to lead, and to believe in myself, both academically and personally. Choosing CCP was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Fatoumata.

1. What degree and/or certificate are you earning, and what is your title at the College?

I am deeply honored to be earning my Associate in Health Care Studies from Community College of Philadelphia. This achievement is not just a reflection of academic growth—it’s a symbol of resilience, purpose and transformation. As both a student and a proud staff member, my journey at CCP has been one of profound self-discovery and unwavering dedication to service.

In my role as the administrative associate to the associate vice president/dean of Students, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students through their own educational paths, all while walking my own. Balancing both roles has given me a unique perspective: I’ve not only witnessed the power of education to change lives—I’ve lived it. This degree represents more than a milestone—it’s a testament to what’s possible when you lead with heart, commit to growth and remain rooted in the belief that your journey can inspire others. My mission is not just to succeed, but to uplift those around me as I rise. CCP has been my foundation, my launchpad and my community—and I carry its impact with me proudly.

2. Did you participate in any student clubs or activities, benefit from support services, or receive a scholarship?

Without a doubt, the support services at CCP were not just helpful—they were a lifeline. In moments when I felt overwhelmed, lost or unsure of my next steps, the College stood by me like a steady hand guiding me through the storm. From academic advising to mental wellness resources, every service was a reminder that I wasn’t walking this path alone.

Becoming a Catto Scholar was one of the greatest blessings in my journey. It lifted a financial weight off my shoulders and gave me the space to truly focus on my personal and academic growth. But more than that, it gave me a community that believed in my potential even before I fully believed in it myself.

My success coach, Lacresha Allen, has been nothing short of an angel. Her unwavering encouragement, genuine compassion and tireless support carried me through the toughest seasons of this journey. She didn’t just help me stay on track—she reminded me of my strength when I needed it most. CCP nurtured more than just my education—it nurtured my resilience, my purpose and my belief in what’s possible. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

3. How did your program further your career and personal goals?

This program didn’t just educate me—it awakened a fire within me. It reignited my love for health care and reminded me of the deep, unwavering purpose I carry: to become a NICU nurse. A healer. A comforter. A steady hand in life’s most delicate moments. I want to be a source of light for the tiniest, most vulnerable lives and a voice of reassurance for families navigating uncertainty and fear. This journey hasn’t been easy. There were times I questioned myself—times the weight of life, responsibility and doubt nearly pulled me away from my path. But each time I stumbled, I found myself returning to the same truth: nursing is where I’m meant to be. It’s not just a profession—it’s a calling anchored in compassion, resilience and the deepest sense of purpose. The program at CCP pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. The coursework challenged me to think critically. The support I received reminded me that I am never alone. And the knowledge I’ve gained gave me more than skills—it gave me confidence, clarity and an unshakable belief in my future. Being a self-published author has also shaped the direction I’ve chosen. Through storytelling, I discovered the power of using my voice to uplift, comfort and inspire others. That same passion is what I carry into health care—to listen, to advocate and to care deeply. CCP didn’t just open a door—it gave me the courage to walk through it. I’m choosing a path that will allow me to grow, to serve and to live a life of purpose—with flexibility, intention and a dream I refuse to let go of. And it all begins here.

4. How did the College prepare you for success? Are there any faculty or staff members you'd like to thank?

CCP didn’t just equip me with tools—it gave me hope, direction and the unwavering belief that I was meant for something greater. The faculty didn’t simply teach—they poured their hearts into every lesson, nurturing my growth with compassion, patience and purpose. The staff became a lifeline during the moments I felt overwhelmed, gently reminding me of my strength when I struggled to see it for myself. There were days when I questioned if I could keep going—but they never did. They saw something in me I was still learning to see in myself. And because of their belief, I kept rising. I carry their words, their kindness and their faith in me like armor. To every professor, every mentor, every soul who helped shape me—thank you. You didn’t just help me earn a degree. You helped me become a woman who now believes in her power to change lives, just as you changed mine.

5. What advice would you give to individuals who are considering attending CCP, or other employees thinking about going back to school?

Take the leap—even if your voice trembles and your hands shake. Your dreams are not too big, too late or too far gone. They were planted in you for a reason. You don’t need perfect timing, endless resources or permission from the world to begin. What you need is one brave moment—one decision to believe in yourself, even if no one else does. The journey may challenge you. It may stretch parts of you that have long been dormant. But in that stretch, you’ll grow. In that discomfort, you’ll discover strength you didn’t know you had. And when you begin to walk in alignment with your purpose, you’ll feel a fire rise within you that no obstacle can extinguish. You are worthy of more. You are capable of more. You are becoming more. So, start. Begin messy, begin afraid—but begin. Because once you say yes to yourself, the universe has a way of rising to meet you. And I promise you—the journey is worth it. Every single step.

What degree and/or certificate are you earning, and what is your title at the College?

As an alumna of Peirce College, Eastern University and now of Community College of Philadelphia, I am earning a Creative Writing certificate. I am an administrative support specialist in the Division of Liberal Studies.

Did you participate in any student clubs or activities, benefit from support services, or receive a scholarship?

Working at Community College of Philadelphia has afforded me multiple opportunities to volunteer in the community, be a part of a student club, and participate in programs to make the student’s experience full and rich with variety.

I served my colleagues during the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society Week and wrote two short stories for the students to engage in critical thinking during the “Who Dune It” event of the program while offering my administrative skills to capture and organize data for the attendees, and I work closely with the Study Abroad program, among other in-house programs.

Additionally, in the community, I volunteered at Philly House, assisted with voter registration and traveled with CCP for a Lobby Day in Harrisburg, PA.

How did your program further your career and personal goals?

The Creative Writing certificate has increased my writing skills to communicate with clarity and enhanced my critical thinking skills to analyze a problem to find the next best action for a resolution.

How did the College prepare you for success? Are there any faculty or staff members you'd like to thank?

CCP prepared me for success by allowing diversity and the opportunity to grow as an individual.

Thank you, professors; you believed in me, came to my events, coached me, and gave lessons to analyze movies, workshops to engage with the classmates’ creative minds, and gave reading and craft assignments which stretched me to reach deep—slow down—and grow from within. There were others who were not my professors but gave support and came to the readings of my poem.

Thank you Dr. Massah Nuni—your encouragement, support, leadership, and listening skills are so appreciated. You pushed me when I doubted myself. Thank you Dr. Lisa Sanders and the Division of Liberal Studies for your support. 

What advice would you give to individuals who are considering attending CCP, or other employees thinking about going back to school?

To the individuals who are considering attending CCP—I say take that first step to enroll, plan and learn what CCP has to offer; engage with your professors, counselors and advisors; read the syllabus to understand what is expected of you as a student; and it’s okay to get a tutor or go to the Center for Disability. A beautiful garden cannot grow on its own—someone needs to pull the weeds.

Colleagues, if you are considering going back to school, please do not let your friends, family, age, your situation or circumstances stop you. It may slow you down, but don’t stop. Whatever going back to school looks like for you, plan and get advice and lean on your support system. You can do it!  

At one point, I didn’t think it was possible for me to get a degree. I am 65 years of age and grateful that I am a life-learner. I went back to school at the age of 49 for a bachelor's degree and graduated four years later. I’m still learning and encouraging others to keep moving forward. Make it happen.

When 67-year-old Lorraine Haw walks the stage on May 3, she’ll be dedicating her graduation to her mother, Eugenia, who passed away late last year. Lorraine, better known around campus as Mrs. Dee Dee, made a vow to her mom that she would complete her education at CCP.

“That’s what keeps me fighting hard here,” Mrs. Dee Dee said. “I promised her that I would finish and graduate. Other than that, I would have quit. But my professors encouraged me and that’s the promise I made my mom, so, I gotta stick it out no matter what.”

So much of what keeps Mrs. Dee Dee going is her family. Her immediate family includes five brothers, two sisters, two granddaughters, and eight great grandchildren.

“That’s my support for me,” she said. “They’re gonna be the loudest ones in the audience. They said, ‘when you graduate, we’re gonna make so much noise.’”

Mrs. Dee Dee added, with a laugh, “I’m gonna act like I don’t know y’all.”

There’s one family member in particular who keeps Mrs. Dee Dee going: her son, Phillip Ocampo. He was convicted of second-degree murder at the age of 18, a charge that carries a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Phillip has been in prison for the last three decades.

As Mrs. Dee Dee spoke about her son, her voice trembled. “I talk to him about the things I learned in class, and he says, ‘mom I’m so proud of you!’”

A big part of why she enrolled in the Criminal Justice program was to learn how she can better advocate for her son and everyone who is justice impacted. Mrs. Dee Dee is an organizer with The Coalition to Abolish Death by Incarceration, a collective of human rights organizations working to stop life imprisonment sentences. She has also volunteered at record expungement and pardoning clinics organized by the City of Philadelphia and hosted at Community College of Philadelphia.

“My Criminal Justice professors opened my eyes,” she said. “I’m already a criminal justice advocate, but man, what I learned with them here—that’s gonna help me with what I got to use out there.”

She said earning her Criminal Justice degree has been a lot of hard work, especially when it comes to learning new technologies.

“Me and computers, we come from two different planets,” she said, “but my professors were patient and understanding.”

It wasn’t just her Criminal Justice teachers. “I’ve met many good professors,” she said. “When I say many, I need more than two hands to count.”

Just to name a few of the people who Mrs. Dee Dee said made her time at CCP so special: Elizabeth Canapary, assistant professor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Judith Cruz-Ransom, instructor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Billy Love; associate professor of Criminal Justice; Mark Hughes, assistant professor of English; Jason Esters, assistant professor of English; Dr. Edite Birnbaum, assistant professor of Mathematics; Christopher Murphy, assistant professor of Social Science; David M. Freeman, associate professor of Social Science Dr. Faye L. Allard, associate professor and head of the Department of Social Sciences; Dr. Derrick Perkins, assistant vice president of Student Empowerment and Equity Initiatives; and Suave Gonzalez, support coach with I Am More.

Mrs. Dee Dee is part of the College’s I Am More reentry program, which provides case management, tutoring and social support to students who have been incarcerated—she was in prison on drug charges from 1989 to 1990. In 2022, Mrs. Dee Dee received a pardon and then in 2023, she received an expungement, effectively wiping her record clear. Oct. 18 of this year will mark her 27th year of sobriety.

She knows firsthand the hardship that comes with a prison sentence. Unfair barriers for reentering society are a reality for justice-involved people in the U.S. In fact, Suave, who Mrs. Dee Dee sees as mentor in the I Am More program, recently started the second season of his Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast to explore his own painful realizations of “freedom” after prison.

It’s a system Mrs. Dee Dee is determined to change—for the sake of her son and everyone who is justice impacted. “When my son first went in, had I known what I know now, I would have used all of this,” she said. “All of this knowledge that I know now. I could have used it then and maybe I would have been able to help him better.”

Mrs. Dee Dee sees her degree as tool to make her a stronger advocate.

“I’m going to keep fighting even when my baby comes home,” she said. “I’m going to keep fighting because we’re not free until we’re all free.”

Her advocacy work is getting noticed. She was the subject of a recent short documentary by Amistad Law Project and in February of this year, the City of Philadelphia adopted a resolution “celebrating and honoring Lorraine ‘Mrs. Dee Dee’ Haw for her constant pursuit of justice, her ability to speak truth to power across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, and for her infinite love for the people and communities around her, on the occasion of Black History Month.”

“We want to remember this moment,” Mrs. Dee Dee said with pride. “When my grandkids are big enough, they can come to City Hall and look for that resolution and see my name.”

Family and faith are everything to her. After all the time and effort that went into her studies, Mrs. Dee Dee said she is ready to take a break from school. Once she graduates, she plans to spend her regained time with her family.

“I want to enjoy my family while I still have them.”

What degree and/or certificate are you earning?

A.A. Business – General

What are your career goals/next steps after CCP?

I will be transferring to Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, starting in September 2025. I am thrilled to announce that I’ve been accepted to Penn State, West Chester, East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg!

Did you participate in any student clubs or activities, benefit from support services, or receive a scholarship?

I greatly benefited from the services provided by the school’s Recovery Support Group! Also, I have been extremely fortunate to have received three scholarships to assist with my expenses as a full-time student. Make sure to fill out the general scholarship application on the MyCCP portal!

How did the College prepare you for success? Are there any faculty or staff members you'd like to thank?

I am so grateful to every Catto Scholarship staff member! Valentina Landrine and Becky Commons provided me with so many resources and support during my time here! I also want to thank Professor Kerry Arnold with Collegiate Recovery. Thank you everyone for all your help!

What advice would you give to individuals who are considering attending CCP?

The Catto Scholarship is a remarkable program that paid for all of my tuition, books and fees! The scholarship also provides a success coach and countless other people to support you on your journey. You should definitely apply before starting at CCP. Ask questions and engage with your professors! The class sizes are small, which means more attention from professors and support staff.

What degree and/or certificate are you earning?

I am earning an Associate in Arts in Communication Studies.

What are your career goals/next steps after CCP?

After graduation, I plan on attending Drexel University in the fall. Pertaining to my career goals, my plans are to become a lawyer, hopefully practicing criminal or entertainment law; however, my first love was always communication studies in general, so I always want to have my hand in something like journalism/public relations.

Did you participate in any student clubs or activities, benefit from support services, or receive a scholarship?

While at CCP because I have maintained a GPA of a 4.0, I have been able to be a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which has afforded me with many scholarships from many schools for my future.

How did the College prepare you for success? Are there any faculty or staff members you'd like to thank?

CCP prepared me for success by always being readily available. From my professors to support on campus to logistical things like financial aid, the members who work at CCP have always been willing and happy to assist me with getting to this point.

I had to drop out of school in 2019, so by the time I registered again in 2023 at CCP, I just about had given up faith in completing my education. So coming back, the sense of home you feel when being on campus, or the sense of warmth you get when asking for help, really made it easy for me to get in the swing of things. My time at CCP was my redemption, and you guys have been such a pivotal part in why I'm able to pursue the rest of my undergrad the way I wanted to back in 2018.

I would love to personally thank two of my English professors, Mr. Brian Geodde (ENGL 283) and Ms. Elizabeth Catanese (ENGL 190 and 205). These two professors offered writing-based courses that I feel help me improved so much as a writer and a student. Prof. Catanese offered a creative writing course that assisted me opening my eyes to different styles of writing, while Prof. Geodde offered a nonfiction writing course that ended with the Callowhill Cut Reading Series, something I was able to use to address things I needed to work on through the writing I had to submit. The advice that both professors gave me I will take with me to Drexel and beyond, as a student and a writer, they both always diligently took their time to offer me valuable feedback on every assignment, so my heart goes out to them.

What advice would you give to individuals who are considering attending CCP?

If I had to give advice to anybody attending CCP or getting ready to attend is that you are exactly where you need to be, and that you should prepare yourself to be a sponge, soaking up everything CCP is willing to give to us as students.

This year, Dave Hansen will graduate from Community College of Philadelphia with an associate degree in Business–General, with Highest Honor, and move forward debt-free into a bachelor’s program to study either Finance or Economics. This is possible because of a Federal Pell Grant and additional support from CCP’s Octavius Catto Scholarship initiative. This scholarship is the result of a partnership between CCP and the City of Philadelphia.

Started in 2021, the Catto Scholarship is an important anti-poverty initiative designed to help more Philadelphians reach success by attending college free of charge. Catto does this by combining last-dollar funding with special wrap-around support services. Not only does the initiative cover tuition and fees, but it also addresses burdens that hit many Philadelphians—especially those living in poverty—particularly hard, including costs associated with food, transportation and books.

“Thankfully because of my Pell Grant I am debt-free regardless,” Dave said. “But with Catto I was able to buy books and get a stipend to pay for food.”

In addition to financial support, Catto Scholars also have access to career coaches and advisors to help them stay on track. “My coach is an amazing person,” Dave said. "She's always checking up on me.”

When it came time for Dave to figure out next steps after graduation, his Catto Coach was the one who suggested he apply to several schools and then see which one gave him the best financial aid package. “Catto's just been a blessing. I wish they were able to reach out to more students,” Dave said.

The Catto Scholarship initiative at CCP is one of many ways that students are able to attend college for free. Initiatives like this help so many students launch into additional degree programs and jobs with little to no student debt. CCP is proud to be able to offer this scholarship as an option for the students who need it most.

Brian Flores started at Community College of Philadelphia in 2019 as a Photography major. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, things shifted for Brian, and he was no longer interested in studying Photography. He took some time off and then returned as a Health Care Studies student. He is now on track to graduate with an associate degree in Health Care Studies and a Medical Assistant proficiency certificate.

When Brian first graduated from high school, he was interested in attending Temple University to study Nursing. When he found out that he didn't get accepted, he wasn’t exactly sure what to do next. So, he decided to join the military. Then, Brian learned that he could go to college for free at CCP through the G.I. Bill and a Pell Grant.

In the time Brian took off between studying Photography and Health Care Studies, he re-discovered his interest in the medical field. “I took a year off and I was just like let me try to reevaluate what I want to do,” Brian said. “So, I enlisted in an EMT program, and I was an EMT for a little bit.” After working as an EMT, he decided to come back to CCP to study in the medical field. “I got into medical assisting, just to get my foot in the door,” Brian said. “Maybe I’ll pursue Nursing in the future, but I'm not sure yet.”

In that time and throughout all his years at CCP, Brian has maintained his role with the military and has also worked, at different times, as both an EMT and a pharmaceutical tech. All these jobs gave him a sense of where he wanted to focus his energy. After he graduates, Brian plans on getting his phlebotomy certification and working as a phlebotomist while he looks for a more long-term position as a medical assistant. After that, he says, “I’ll look for a job at a clinic or maybe a hospital setting to get my hours for medical assisting.”

Brian is excited to work as a medical assistant so he can see multiple aspects of the medical field. “I think it's a good place to start and if you want to go further than that you can,” Brian said. “You can see how people do x-rays and be like, ‘oh maybe I want to do this instead.’”

Though Brian is excited to graduate and earn his degree, he said he’s enjoyed his time at CCP. “I think a lot of the professors are great. You can tell they really care.” To Brian, that’s one of the most important elements of education. “I think that’s important because you can go to class, but if you don't feel like that teacher cares, I don't think you're learning. “Or I think it’s harder to learn.”

Idris Caldwell is graduating this year with an associate degree in Nursing. He is an Achieving the Dream scholar and also the recipient of several other scholarships at Community College of Philadelphia. Though his academic journey hasn’t exactly been linear, he is proud and excited to become a nurse and to continue his education at West Chester University.

Part of Idris’ story is his struggle with substance use disorder. It's part of the reason he started and stopped pursuing higher education so many times. But it’s also part of how he came to view nursing as his life’s purpose. “I'd always respected the medical community and the nursing occupation and nurses in general,” Idris said. “But I just wasn’t a science or math guy, so I let that stop me. Eventually, I realized that those subjects just required a different kind of effort. I had to work a little harder and get tutoring along the way, but I grew to genuinely enjoy and appreciate them.”

Throughout his life, Idris has interacted with nurses of all kinds during hospital visits. “I've had some bad experiences in hospitals, but that's kind of balanced with the good experiences I had as well,” Idris said. “I want to be a great nurse so I can help others and give back, especially to underserved and overlooked populations.”

This year, Idris received the Achieving the Dream scholarship and attended the 2025 Achieving the Dream Conference. “Two-year colleges from all over the country came together and presented different ideas and different topics,” Idris said. “Ultimately, [it was] about improving quality of life for students, with the emphasis of passing it on to others.”

His experience at the conference also opened his eyes to the fact that though people across our country are so different, they all want the same things. “Ultimately, we’re all the same,” Idris said. "Just trying to do better and be better and better our lives and better the lives of people around us.”

And that’s exactly what Idris hopes to do as a nurse. He said that in addition to being excited to use his education to help people, he feels prepared to do so. “I definitely feel prepared going into the health care field,” Idris said. “However, I still remain teachable, because I know there is so much for me to learn.”

On May 3, Celina Brooks will be graduating from Community College of Philadelphia prior to receiving her High School Diploma in June, thanks to CCP’s dual enrollment program with the Parkway Center City Middle College. At 17 years old, Celina will begin her bachelor’s degree journey at West Chester University with years of college experience and an associate degree in Liberal Arts.

When Celina was applying to high schools in Philadelphia, she didn’t realize that the one she chose required her to attend CCP as a dual enrollment student. “Once I was accepted, they told us what we would be doing,” Celina said. “It was pretty stressful to adapt because I was coming right out of COVID. In middle school, we were all online.”

But Celina felt comforted by her peers at Parkway Center, and her teachers there and at CCP. The first two years of high school included a mix of high school classes and classes at CCP, which helped ease her into taking college courses. By 11^th grade, Celina was taking all her classes at CCP. “I've taken prerequisite courses and I've taken Psych 101, Abnormal Psych and I'm now taking Child Psych,” Celina said.

After graduating, Celina will start a bachelor’s degree program in Psychology at West Chester University. Her main goal is to work in the clinical psychology field. But Celina is also interested in Business as a minor, since she currently owns and runs her own skin care business called SkinSheational, which she created during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During COVID, I was honestly really bored, and I needed some entertainment,” Celina said. “So, I found different people making shea butter, and I tested different things. I eventually started doing pop-up shops and networking with people.” Now, Celina makes and sells shea butter skin care products, and she plans to continue her business next year at West Chester, as time allows.

Balancing school and her own business means Celina has to have great time management skills. She said she really learned how to balance her priorities by attending CCP. “Going here and having to take college [classes] has definitely taught me time management,” Celina said. “It has taught me how important it is to be on time, punctual and prepared.”

Celina thinks having this experience will set her up for success at West Chester. “I definitely feel like I have a jump start or just have more of a sense of what I'm entering and what I'll be dealing with,” she said. But it’s also helped her realize her own potential.

Though Celina thinks of herself as a shy person, that certainly doesn’t stop her from getting involved. During her 11^th grade school year, Celina was assigned an Acting class at CCP, which she found to be very nerve-wracking. But, she said, “I found a group of people that kind of helped me get through the class and tell me I'm doing it right. It’s just a group of encouraging people. A connection of positivity.” Celina has a group chat with her Acting class friends and hopes to stay in touch with them after graduation.

Now that she’s graduating, she’s finally starting to see her own strengths. “Everyone tells me I have a bright future ahead of me and sometimes I fail to see that,” Celina said. “But I feel like now that I’m realizing that I'm about to graduate college at 17, I do have a bright future ahead of me.”