Roshonda Degraffenreid

Why MHC: 
I chose MHC because it has a unique reputable program (Frances Perkins Program) designed for non-traditional women wanting to complete their Bachelors degree....  I was eager to be a part of community of strong diverse women determined to achieving their academic dreams regardless of their age.

Extracurricular Activities:

• Frances Perkins Scholars Association peer mentor.
• Member of an Action committee for Baystate Health Systems.
• Homeless for Horizon (Play pal placement in Holyoke, MA).
• Special Olympics volunteer.
• Also, for fun, I take and manually develop black and white photos.

Favorite MHC Professors:

• Becky Wia-Ling Packard, associate professor of psychology and education: “She helped me transition to MHC from Holyoke Community College.” 
• Kathy Binder, assistant professor of psychology: “She taught how to be a more effective student." 
• Lois Brown, associate professor of English & director of the Weissman Center for Leadership and the Liberal Arts: “Our exchanges are purely casual.  However, she always shows an interest towards my personal and academic development here at MHC.” 

Future Plans:
Attend an MBA program in business or pursue a degree in social work.

Favorite Singers: Billy Holiday, Jill Scott, and John Legend.

Favorite Movie: Color Purple.

Favorite Books: Living Water and all of Suze Orman’s books.

Favorite Web Sites: dictionary.com and usatoday.com

Favorite local restaurants:

• Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou in Springfield, MA.
• Mulino’s Restaurant in Northampton, MA.

Guilty Pleasures:
Reality televisions shows (Project Runaway, Top Chef, etc.,) and reading my daily horoscope .

Life-changing Experience:  Going back college.

Why I Do What I Do:  
Ultimately, I want to inspire others who started out like me to pursue their dreams.

Favorite MHC Traditions: Mountain Day and M&Cs.

Favorite MHC Places:

• Info Commons in the library.
• Abbey Chapel: "It is such a peaceful place. I go there to ease mind when I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed.”
• Amphitheatre stage: "On warm sunny days, I like sit in the stands and envision myself walking across the graduating stage accepting my MHC diploma.”

Growing Up I Wanted to Be: A fashion designer.

Little Known Fact About Me:
I am the first person in my immediate family to attend college.