Ashika Henry Richardson earned an Associate degree in Social Work Foundation from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in 2022. She is currently working as a Nursing Assistant and Leadership Assistant work study for the honors program. She’s expecting to do an internship this summer to complete her degree at CCAC. While she’s been accepted at multiple Universities in Pennsylvania, she chose California University because she felt it was a better fit for her. Ashika recently won the All-PA Academic Team scholarship to complete her bachelor's degree at any PASSHE four year college or university. If she needs to transfer, she won’t have to worry about the cost because she receives two years of free tuition. Ashika is planning to do her Master’s degree in advance standing and enter the work force both locally and internationally. As a future social worker, she wants to serve people all over the world and not just in one country. Ashika is Jamaican, and loves to explore and experience life in different parts of the world. 

How did you choose your major in college? How did you choose CCAC? Did you have a mentor or person who helped guide you through that process? 
I chose my major by doing independent research and taking advice from CCAC advisors. I googled community colleges near me—and CCAC was not only in my county, but also has great social science programs and an articulation agreement that I liked. I spoke to the advisors on a zoom meeting, and I told them I wanted to do a Psychology major. I am so happy I spoke with them before registering, because I shared my strengths and future interests, and they told me that social work was a better fit for my career goals. After I registered and started my classes, my passion grew more for my major…and I must thank the advisors for helping me to recognize my true purpose.

What student activities were you involved in, while attending college? Were you involved with any activities or work experience outside of school? Any advice for current students about getting involved to gain relevant skills and experience? 
I am Student Government Senator for Allegheny campus, Vice President for PTK (Alpha Lambda Nu Chapter), Secretary of the World Cultures Club, Honor student and Leadership Assistant, Member of the Political Science and Veterans Club, member of the Diversity, Inclusion & Equity group, and member of the JED College Group. I recommend students to get involved in their college clubs and organizations as much as they can, because you will gain academic and personal enrichment. Apart from scholarship opportunities, you can become a better leader and student, gain travel experience, and help your college community grow. Students, please check your academic emails every day and listen to the advisors and professors—they are the experts who want to see you succeed, and all your hard work will pay off!

What skills did you gain from being involved and/or working? 
I have gained leadership skills, critical thinking and public speaking, planning and organizing skills, time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills. 

What special memories, if any, can you share from your time at CCAC? 
I have a lot of special moments being that I am so involved, but I believe the most special ones are meeting the President of the college and the PA State Department of Education. I felt honored and special to have them listen to me talking about my life and college journey. My other moment is going hiking with the honors program and connecting in person with my professors and honors students. It felt so good to go hiking, have great conversations, and share laughter, especially during a pandemic. 

Anything else you'd like to share for your spotlight article? 
I would like to thank my professors, advisors, and those who mentored me. They believed in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Special thanks to Dr. Srujana Kanjula, Dr. Christopher Robinson, Michelle Lee, Melissa Kelly, and my LAs for always going above and beyond to ensure I succeed. I do hope my story will inspire many the way others have inspired me. As I prepare to transition from CCAC, I just want to say “Thank You, CCAC!”

Read more stories, and why community college is so important, on #CommunityCollegeBecause:

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is Director of Student Life and Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), as well as an Instructor for a class on "The Job Search" at CCAC. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.