April 30, 2026 In this era of social media, many people feel compelled to curate a digital persona that showcases a glossy and perfect — although unrealistic — life. Sit down with Clarissa Hernandez-Ceron, however, and you’ll find an authentic, self-aware young woman who speaks with great candor about herself and her college journey. “I grew up in a humble, close-knit family,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “My parents are the cornerstone of who I am. I know that’s not the norm for everyone, so I am grateful. For me, family always comes first.”   Helping Students Succeed Hernandez-Ceron came to GRCC and connected to TRIO, an advising center for first generation college students and also those who are income-eligible. There, she met and started working with program advisor, Evan Macklin. “I was a first generation college student, so I know what it means to achieve that dream,” Macklin said. “My job is to mentor and coach students. Sometimes I’m augmenting information from their parents. Sometimes I’m a sounding board. Regardless of what is needed, I want to help students succeed. The care I received as a student here is the care I want to give now.” Between Macklin’s generous spirit and Hernandez-Ceron’s love of family, it’s no wonder that she describes her experiences with TRIO in family terms. “The TRIO program has been one of my biggest supports,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “It’s like having an older sibling who has gone through something and can point you in the right direction. Evan has helped me with everything from selecting classes to gaining research experience at U of M last summer. He also encouraged me to apply for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship , for which I am currently a semifinalist.” This highly selective scholarship is open to the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow Scholars. The Jack Cooke Foundation receives more than 1,600 applications annually. From that pool, 400 make it as semifinalists, and 60 receive the coveted scholarship. The Jack Cooke Foundation receives more than 1,600 applications annually. From that pool, 400 make it as semifinalists, and 60 receive the coveted scholarship. Finding a Path Forward Macklin notes that Hernandez-Ceron possesses all the skills to win the scholarship and also to achieve her goals. “One of the many things that stands out to me is Hernandez-Ceron’s curiosity,” Macklin said. “In our first meeting, she was already asking about the honors program and research opportunities. We mapped out a path to a physical therapy degree, which is her goal. She wants to challenge herself every day. She is the epitome of academic excellence and success.” Her physical therapy aspirations come from a deeply personal and somewhat painful history. Hernandez-Ceron says she never felt like she fit in during middle school, so she took up running as a way to belong. “I was the slowest person on the cross country team, so I pushed myself to become better,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “I needed to prove that I was good at something. Even when I achieved varsity times, I still didn’t feel like I was good enough. Unfortunately, I pushed so hard and ran so much that I developed plica syndrome in my knee.” Through working with Hernandez-Ceron, Macklin has discovered the transformational impact of that injury on her personality and goals. “The injury and long rehabilitation process were devastating, yet incredibly formative,” Macklin said. “Through months of physical therapy, she not only rebuilt her physical strength, but also her confidence. Her relationship with her physical therapist became a turning point, fueling her desire to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and serve others during moments of vulnerability and recovery.”  “GRCC Is the Best Place to Be” Hernandez-Ceron has been accepted at University of Michigan and will be attending this fall. Macklin notes that the Jack Cooke Scholarship would be a tremendous resource. “Clarissa set her goals high for U of M, but we have a backup plan,” Macklin said. “The end goal is the important thing. I want her to understand that there are ways to make undergraduate education affordable. She is doing all this work not only for herself, but to break the cycle of first generation barriers in her family. I want to help set her up for a strong financial future.” Hernandez-Ceron is quick to point out that GRCC has far more to offer than most people understand. “I am so thankful to be in this place,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “I hear people say they don’t want to attend GRCC because it’s not a traditional college, or because it’s boring. But in my experience, the people here have been supportive and kind. This is where I finally realized that labels don’t matter. What matters is what you do. If I had attended school elsewhere, I would not have found my passion, much less the support to pursue it. GRCC is the best place to be, whether you are looking to restart, or keep writing the book of your life.” Learn more about TRIO programs at GRCC. This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.