For Mackenzie Hernandez, Lorain County Community College’s University Partnership gave her a pathway to a four-year degree she never thought was possible. She took classes at her own pace, worked full-time while enrolled, and became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree.  

This May, Hernandez, 24, of Lorain, will cross the commencement stage with her fellow 2026 Ashland University graduating class and earn her Bachelor of Science in Education through LCCC's University Partnership. And then, she’ll continue her career in early childhood education, shaping the young minds of tomorrow.  

When did you know you wanted to become a teacher? 

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in third grade. I moved to a new school and felt like an outsider, but my teacher always made me feel welcome and happy. She taught me to love school, which is why I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, to be like her. 

How did she do that, and has she influenced the type of educator you hope to be? 

She made learning fun. She made sure to call on each student. She made sure our needs were met socially and academically. And she always encouraged me to do my best. She congratulated me when I did things well.  

I hope my students find me fun, too. As a preschool teacher, if your day’s not fun, the kids aren’t having fun. I think that’s important. I try to make learning as fun as possible so that they remember it when we move on. I try to make sure the kids go home excited to talk about their favorite part of the day. 

You actually graduated in December. What have you been doing since? 

Starting in November, after my field experience ended, I was offered a long-term substitute position at Vermilion Elementary School as a preschool teacher/intervention specialist. 

What has it been like? 

Every day is its own adventure. And I love it. It’s very rewarding. At the end of the day, I go home and I think about how much of a difference I’ve made in these kids’ lives, and that just fills my heart. 

Did the University Partnership with Ashland University prepare you for this role? 

1,000%. I was given placements in local school districts that taught me what I needed to know, and I had such great experiences to help me prepare for any type of opportunity life throws at me. I had such good mentor teachers that always supported me and taught me, through the rough lessons and the good lessons. They helped me grow and reflect on the things that I did well and things that I did not do so well. I learned and grew from those things. I'm still learning and still reflecting. 

Has LCCC helped you thrive? 

Absolutely. LCCC helped me thrive by allowing me to pursue a degree at a pace that I could handle while working full time, while earning my savings, and making a life for myself. I could pursue a bachelor’s degree that I thought was unreachable in a way that was affordable and doable for me.