When Rozina Ahsan started at AACC in 2021, she only took one online course at a time. Her two small children, especially her daughter who has special needs, required most of her attention.
“I started with the intro to criminal justice class. I loved it,” she said.
But while Ahsan had a strong interest in pursuing the paralegal degree, balancing coursework with family life was challenging. Taking most of her classes online left her feeling disconnected from the school, and devoting so much of her energy to family matters left her feeling disconnected from herself.
“I signed up to be an ambassador,” she said. “I was like, ‘I got to do something for myself. I want to be on campus.’”
Getting involved as a student ambassador gave Ahsan a new sense of belonging. She began attending events across campus, sometimes bringing her kids, sometimes attending alone.
“Being an ambassador, I feel like I've found myself,” she said. “I didn't know that I was capable or I had that time to do things for myself. Even though it's not just for me, I'm doing it for school. I'm representing my school and that's what I love to do.”
Her growing involvement led her to also join the Leadership Challenge Program. The program uses workshops throughout the academic year to focus on the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Students complete a Leadership Change project throughout the spring semester. The last cohort proposed a peer mentorship program that would help new students get engaged.
It’s something Ahsan could have used herself. Now Ahsan also works at the information desk on campus. She answers questions and points students in the right direction.
Sometimes the right direction for her can still feel out of reach, but Ahsan is determined. She plans to graduate with degrees in both paralegal and juvenile justice, driven by a desire to make a difference for her own kids and others.
“That's what my motto is right now: get the knowledge, get the education, get my diploma and help people. Because I know there's so many kids who don't get justice,” she said.
Despite all the challenges, her children are her biggest motivation.
“I'm not just looking for my chapters. I'm looking for my kids, too. I'm looking for my family.”