Proud of Myself
"Going back to school is the best thing I’ve done, because it turned the lights on inside of me and brought purpose into my life." – Zoe Bisbing
Editor's Note: Marketing and Business Administration major Zoe Bisbing is the recipient of the Cloud 9 Scholarship from the HCC Foundation. She delivered the following remarks at HCC Foundation's 2026 Scholarship Reception on May 14.
'Going back to school in my 30s to start a new career began as an anxiety producing situation. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the work and felt nervous about fitting in. This has transitioned into a liberating experience, where I have felt supported, heard and seen by pretty much everyone I have met here.
I proved to myself I am capable of managing school, work, interning, handling responsibilities while dealing with life's curveballs. There have been times I haven’t had food in my fridge, my bank accounts were negative, I was without a car and feared I was at risk of being homeless.
My amazing team of advisors, Sheyla Martinez and Miguel Velez, advocated for me, and HCC provided me with emergency aid to pay my bills. Thrive helped put food in my fridge during a time when I was struggling to eat. I received a 4.0 GPA my first year, which came from maintaining a focus to do whatever it takes.
It has been difficult to learn how to study without distracting myself, so I’ve had to be more mindful and aware of my study requirements and habits. As a result of maintaining good grades, I was accepted into Phi Theta Kappa. This is huge. I never thought I was smart enough to get into an honor society because I struggled in school growing up. It has been a major learning curve teaching myself how to befriend deadlines and staying on course.
Going back to school is the best thing I’ve done, because it turned the lights on inside of me and brought purpose into my life. I’m surrounded by reinforcements from my professors Klara Karol, Lisa Mahon, Melissa Weise and Vanessa Martinez, who empowered me, challenged me, and believed in me during times I doubted myself and told myself I wasn’t good enough. Through that encouragement I’ve been able to overcome old narratives, transforming myself into the capable individual I am today.
I’m grateful to the donors who make this possible. Thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart. You make getting an education and having a second shot at life possible for me. Thank you for believing in us students and seeing our capabilities. What a beautiful thing to come to a place where you can learn and be yourself, no matter what that looks like.
I’m able to strive for greatness because I’ve been given the freedom to ignite my fire. Since becoming a student at HCC, I have grown into myself, becoming a confident student and professional. I was recently accepted as a TRIO ambassador for the 2026-2027 school year. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from my predecessors, lead by example, grow with my peers, and build community with those around me.
Thanks to my tutors in CAPS – Tim, Shauna, Kim, Abby and Matt – who have been absolutely wonderful pillars of encouragement and perception this past year, helping me with essays and assignments. I’ve enjoyed working with them and learning ways to expand my writing.
Thank you to the alumni who have come before me. Your glow is infectious and inspires me to step up and get involved with the HCC community. I appreciate how much care and heart you bring to the table. I can’t wait to be involved as an alum in the future. Thank you for setting the example.
My experience as an intern in Institutional Advancement has truly changed my life. What incredible people I work with, and a dynamic team to be a part of. I’m so grateful to Doug Scanlon and Julie Phillips for believing in my potential and giving me this opportunity. I’ve noticed a significant shift in my spirit since I started interning, and a sense of belonging that runs deeply.
I don’t recognize who I am today. No longer am I afraid of my reflection in the mirror. I’m proud of myself. It brings me tears thinking about the life I have now and the people at HCC that have left their mark on me.
I’m fueled by a momentum that empowers me on a daily basis. I invite opportunities to share that fire with others in hopes of sparking ignition in someone else.
Thank you."
PHOTOS: Zoe Bisbing delivers a speech at the 2026 Scholarship Reception.
