Meet OCC 2023 Grads: Hope Pacheco
Hope has never been one for change but has learned to accept it, not be fearful of
it and knows it can benefit her. She made a big change in her career goals while attending
OCC, deciding to pursue a career in history instead of becoming a veterinarian. She
says if you want something in life, go for it and see where it takes you.
Degree: Associate in Arts, Associate in General Studies, Transfer Studies Certificate
Program: Oakland Accelerated College Experience (ACE)
Major: History
Student Involvement/Honors: Secretary, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Highland Lakes Chapter; Dean’s List
Hear more from Hope
Q: How has all of the change in the past two years affected your worldview and plans
for the future?
A: I feel like in the beginning of COVID everything was stressful and now there’s a greater
sense of peace to the world. I appreciate people are using their voices to impact
the world in a good way.
Q: What were your biggest accomplishments at OCC?
A: The ACE program and how I’ve done academically in the past three years. I’m also proud
I joined PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) and became secretary. I’m able to walk in my mom’s
footsteps. She was involved with PTK at Auburn Hills campus when she was a student
at OCC.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I am proud of being an ACE graduate. I found a new career path, made new friends,
worked on myself and earned two associate degrees at (age) 18.
“OCC has provided me with a better education, and I have been able to learn what college is like at a younger age than most people. I appreciate the impact OCC has had on me, and I understand what classes will be like when I transfer to a university.”
Q: What kind of support have you received from OCC faculty and staff?
A: I appreciate Dr. Valerie Emanoil (Faculty History) for letting me job shadow. She
is the person I based my career change on. Professor Shawn Dry (Faculty History) challenged
me to be a better student. He wants to hear our thoughts, and I appreciate that from
him.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: I was accepted to the University of Michigan Dearborn. I plan to major in history
and minor in art history and get my PhD to become a history professor.
Q: If you had to pick one thing you’re taking away from your experiences at OCC, what
would it be?
A: Making good connections with faculty and administration really helps you in the
end. The professors are here to see you succeed. I need to take that with me in the
next step of my educational journey. It really helped me succeed at OCC.