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MCC Daily Tribune

Meet a Member of the Class of 2024: Haley Collado

To celebrate the upcoming commencement on May 30, we are featuring some of the class of 2024 this week. Read on to learn more about these impressive and inspiring graduates! #MCC2024

Haley Collado

At a young age, Haley Collado witnessed the complexities of the legal system, igniting her passion to fight injustice.  Her experience propelled her to major in criminal justice to be part of the solution to systemic problems and be a voice for those who have long suffered in silence.

Haley credits the Educational Opportunity Program as the reason she enrolled at MCC. “I recognized that this program could offer the crucial assistance and guidance I needed to navigate the challenges of higher education successfully, and it did, “said Haley. “Beyond EOP, MCC's inclusive and supportive community further solidified my decision. The college's commitment to diversity and equity created an environment where I felt valued and empowered to pursue my goals.”

When asked what motivates her to succeed, Haley said witnessing the resilience and strength of those who have overcome obstacles, especially her stepmother Soti. Haley said Soti’s guidance and unwavering faith in her constantly reminds her of her potential and fuels her determination to seize every opportunity.

Haley says the advice she would give her 16-year-old self is, “It's going to get worse before it gets better. However, I promise you, it will be worth it. Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and you may encounter obstacles that sometimes seem impossible. But every setback you face is an opportunity for growth and resilience. Embrace these challenges as lessons that will shape you into a stronger, more capable individual.”

Haley will attend the University of Albany in the fall to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Management. Her goal is to develop a deep understanding of legislation to help improve it and empower and protect individuals who have been historically marginalized or disenfranchised.

The MCC Foundation awarded Haley the following scholarships: the Educational Technology Services Endowed Scholarship, the David L. Pogue Scholarship, the Dr. Barbara and Mr. John Lovenheim Scholarship, and the Phyllis Cotner Library Endowed Scholarship.

Photo caption: 

  • Candid, head-and-shoulder-shot of Haley Collado wearing a black top and black-and-white flannel shirt, smiling at the camera while making the peace sign gesture with two fingers.

Attached Files:
Haley Photo.jpeg

Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
05/21/2024