Alexandra Barker
Alex Barker is the first in her family to attend college and aspires to be an engineer to further contribute to the world by creating new products. She plans to earn her associate’s degree at MCC, then transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Her personal desire is to not only make the most of her education, but to spend time serving the community, so she joined Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Alex is the daughter of a single mom and has a younger sister. She was encouraged to attend MCC by her mother and her aunt, who is a former elementary school teacher and an adjunct MCC 101 instructor. While in high school, she was in marching band, choir and the cross-country team. Alex also is a swimmer and has taught and coached for years at the YMCA. She currently works as a cashier at the Cary Jewel. 
Jessica Klos
Jessie Klos aspires to become a registered nurse and will pursue her certified nursing assistant license and transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She loves working with children and plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse. Jessie was encouraged to attend MCC by her sister, Sarah Klos, a 2016 Education to Empowerment recipient, and her Uncle Ryan, Director of Marketing and Creative Services at MCC. She said attending MCC allows her to stay connected with family, her church and her job she’s had since junior year of high school—a camp counselor at a summer residence camp. Jessie is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and volunteers to help children with disabilities. 
Sarah Meyer
Sarah Meyer is pursuing an associate’s degree and will transfer to Illinois State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. She plans to continue her education to earn a master of business administration degree. Sarah chose this career because she has “a passion for helping others realize their potential for success.” She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where she serves as vice president of public relations and helps plan skill-development workshops for students. Sarah also works part-time as a student ambassador for the MCC Welcome Center. Her mother is an MCC alumna, who graduated with an occupational therapy assistant degree in 2015. Sarah is also a member of the MCC choir and works at Three Oaks Recreation Area this summer. 
Katherine Yohe
Katie Yohe worked as a paramedic/firefighter for 15 years, following the footsteps of her mother and grandfather. When her six-year-old son suffered a traumatic brain injury as a toddler, she decided to change careers so she could work with children, like him, with special needs. As a single mom, Katie is pursuing her associate’s degree and will transfer to a four-year university to earn her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with an emphasis in special education. Her goal is to open a preschool on a farm for low-income families and children with special needs to support families like her own and “to continue saving lives, but in a different way.” Katie is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and looks forward to serving the community whenever possible.
