As a young child, Jennifer Day was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. With limited support and understanding of her diagnosis and treatment options, Day thought her future was limited because of it. 

“It led me to believe I was unable to accomplish my goals,” she said. “When diagnosed, I thought I would remain totally disabled.” 

But after many years of hospitalization and ineffective medications, Day finally received specialized therapy that helped her manage her mental health. Now, the 2026 Lorain County Community College graduate hopes to use her experience, education and training to help others. 

“My goal is to become a licensed independent social worker and help adolescents who have experienced trauma,” Day, 46, said. “I have an understanding of the need for educated advocates, and I hope to promote change in how trauma is addressed in education, and to provide counseling to this underserved population.” 

When Day, of Lorain, had originally enrolled at LCCC, she was simply looking to get re-certified as a behavioral health case manager after moving to Ohio and learning her certifications didn’t transfer from Arizona. But Day found more than a box to check at LCCC. She found opportunities to learn and explore. Day joined Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta, Undergraduate Student Research Program, and the Student Leadership Institute. 

“Supportive staff, advisors, and mentors offered direction and leadership that inspired my personal journey and has resulted in success and pride I could have never dreamed of,” Day said. “I could never say enough about the empowerment I have found at LCCC and the impact it has had on my life, my family, and my community involvement.” 

Day, a first-generation college graduate, former foster care child, and mother of nine, including several foster children, found added support in LCCC’s Students Accelerating in Learning (SAIL) program. SAIL’s holistic approach to student success combines financial, academic, and career planning support for students in the program and has been recognized nationally as a best practice in community college student success. 

“If I had to use one word to describe my experience at LCCC it would be the word thrive,” Day said. “Because the growth I have experienced here was heavily influenced by the environment.” 

Her efforts have received widespread accolades. The Ohio Association of Community Colleges named Day to the All Ohio Academic Second Team, making her one of the top 20 community college students in Ohio. Day is also a semi-finalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship, an elite scholarship program for high achieving community college students who plan to transfer to a four-year university. 

After graduating with her associate of science, Day plans to transfer to Case Western Reserve University, which awarded her a $25,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship and a grant from their foundation. There, she'll complete her bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work. She plans to become a Licensed Independent Social Worker.   

“I have been blessed to be the recipient of many scholarships, be a part of multiple research initiatives on campus, and play a role as an advocate in the community,” she said.