“I wanted to be somewhere that felt like more than just a school. I wanted to be part of a family,” Leah said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a sense of belonging and purpose. Gulf Coast is a place where people believe in you, encourage you, and push you to become the best version of yourself.”
This fall, Leah was awarded the Daniel Lee Memorial Scholarship through the MGCCC Foundation. “When I found out I had been selected, I was completely overwhelmed with emotion,” she shared. “I’ve walked through some really hard seasons, and paying for school wasn’t something I could handle at the moment. But when I received the scholarship, I was reminded that God sees me and has never stopped working in my favor. I cried tears of gratitude because it wasn’t just about the scholarship—it was about grace, faith, and the reminder that even in the struggle, blessings still come.”
Now majoring in Elementary Education, Leah’s dream is to teach, inspire, and uplift the next generation. She sees education as her calling and hopes one day to mentor future educators, influence classroom practices, and build learning environments rooted in compassion and character.
Receiving her scholarship has allowed her to fully focus on that dream. “This scholarship has changed everything for me,” she said. “It lifted a huge burden off my shoulders and allowed me to fully focus on learning, serving, and growing. It reminded me that there are people out there who believe in students like me, students who have dreams bigger than their circumstances.”
Leah said the MGCCC Foundation’s support has given her the freedom to thrive academically, deepen her faith, and embrace campus life wholeheartedly. “It’s been a true blessing,” she said. “It helped relieve the stress that comes with financial challenges and allowed me to put my full heart into my classes, campus involvement, and my relationship with God. It gave me the freedom to stop worrying and start thriving.”
And thrive she has. Leah is one of the most actively involved students on campus, serving as vice president of the Campus Activities Board, participating in the Baptist Student Union, engaging with the Dog Pound, and helping anywhere she’s needed. Through her involvement, she has built community, encouraged others, and even helped make one of her dreams come true: a campus worship night for students.
“I love being involved in anything that brings people together,” she said. “Every area of involvement is another opportunity to share light and reach others.”
Leah says that MGCCC’s faculty and staff have played an enormous role in her success. “If there’s one thing I could go on and on about, it’s MGCCC and the support they’ve given me,” she said. “From advisors to staff, I’ve always felt seen and supported here. They’ve given me the tools, confidence, and encouragement to keep chasing my goals, even when the road gets tough.”
After graduating, she plans to continue her education at The University of Southern Mississippi, staying connected to MGCCC as an alumna because, as she says, “Once blue and gold, always blue and gold.”
Her motivation comes from her support system, her faith, and the hope that her story can inspire someone else. “My pain has purpose,” she said. “Every time I think about giving up, I remember how far God has brought me and the people who are constantly by my side. I know He’s not done with me yet.”
To future scholarship applicants, she offers heartfelt advice: “Go for it and apply. Don’t let fear or pride stop you from asking for help. These opportunities exist because people believe in you. You’re not alone.”
For Leah, being part of the Gulf Coast family meant so much. “Gulf Coast is love that meets you right where you are,” she said. “It’s knowing that even on your hardest days, there are people here who see you, believe in you, and want to see you win. Gulf Coast has helped me find not only my purpose, but also my confidence and my calling.”
