Katie Rains, a member of the Class of 2025, shared her educational journey with us as she was preparing to graduate in May.
Born into a bustling household as the middle child of seven siblings, Katie initially found comfort in staying under the radar, navigating life quietly amidst the chaos. She admits to avoiding challenges, whether it was mastering times tables or contemplating her future beyond marriage and motherhood, a path she felt predestined to follow.
However, Katie’s story took a decisive turn when she reluctantly found herself pushed into the advisor’s office at MWCC.
College, as she quickly discovered, was about stepping beyond comfort zones—socially, academically, and mentally. Despite her aversion to social exposure and reluctance to seek help, Katie embraced the challenges presented to her, eventually joining the honors program on the recommendation of a mentor. This decision proved transformative, broadening her horizons and instilling in her a newfound passion for learning that she had never envisioned for herself.
“Being here at The Mount has opened a whole new chapter for me that I never thought would even be written,” Katie states. “I have found love and value in learning. I actually want to learn new things, which is something fifteen-year-old me would have found ridiculous.”
At MWCC, Katie found inspiration in her peers, as they each embarked on their own diverse educational journeys. “I have had the pleasure of meeting people of all ages. Some of my favorite classmates have been older adults who have grown up, had kids, had a career, and decided there was more they wanted to learn or a completely different career they want to pursue in their later adulthood.”
Katie’s journey challenged her to redefine success on her own terms, discovering that true fulfillment lies in aligning personal growth with individual happiness. She encourages her fellow classmates to embrace the freedom of choice that lies ahead and emphasizing that life’s richness comes from pushing beyond comfort and embracing personal passions. Katie’s journey exemplifies resilience, growth, and the transformative power of education, inspiring others to carve their own paths towards happiness and success.