At 42 years old, Cynthia Locke is proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Her academic journey began in the early 2000’s, when she was a student at Hudson County Community College. But everything changed on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

“I saw the second plane hit the tower from my classroom window,” Cynthia recalled. “Since then, I never wanted to even think about school.”

That day marked the beginning of a 20-year pause in Cynthia’s education. It wasn’t until she learned that her daughter’s Spanish teacher wasn’t fluent in the language that Cynthia felt the pull to return to the classroom herself. As a bilingual individual, Cynthia saw an opportunity to make a difference. Inspired to ensure that future students receive the quality instruction they deserve, she decided to return to college and pursue a degree in education.

“That was the pinch I needed to get started again,” she said.

Since enrolling at Camden County College, Cynthia has been focused and committed to her education, driven by purpose and a desire to set an example for her family.

“I want my daughter to be proud of me, and I want my parents to know that I can still make them proud,” she reflected. “It’s never too late.”

Cynthia will be attending Rowan University in the fall where she will pursue a degree in Elementary Education. While her academic journey with CCC is complete, she is filled with gratitude for the time she spent here.

“I met incredible teachers who have taught me so much about how I would like to lead my classroom,” she said. “It has truly been a pleasure to be a student here.”

Her message to others, especially to younger students: “When that fire hits you, it’s for a reason. Go after what you want and don’t let anything stop you.”

Congratulations, Cynthia, and congratulations to the entire class of 2025!

Mailyn Cecilia’s path to the Commencement stage wasn’t conventional. She had made several attempts at pursuing higher education, but life’s challenges often forced her to pause those ambitions. A proud mother to a seven-year-old son and a justice-impacted student, Mailyn refused to give up on her goals.

On May 16, Mailyn will earn her associate degree in Dietetic Technology, becoming the second college graduate in her family, following in the footsteps of her mother, who now holds a master’s degree in psychology. Her journey has been one of resilience, growth, and determination.

“When I finally made it to Camden County College, I found not just an education but a supportive community that welcomed me with open arms,” she said.

It wasn’t just about returning to school, it was about finding a place where she could heal, and grow.

“As a justice-impacted student, I came in feeling broken, uncertain of my path,” she admitted. “But at CCC, I was embraced for who I was and never felt judged. Through the support and encouragement of my professors, mentors, and peers, I found my strength, and I am leaving whole, ready to embrace the future with confidence and purpose.”

Mailyn made it her mission to be involved in the campus community, serving as Vice President of the Student Government Association, Secretary of the Dietetic and Nutrition Club, and as an advocate for her fellow justice-impacted students, ensuring they had access to a fair and equitable education.

“CCC helped me gain the confidence within myself, not just to achieve, but to believe that I am worthy of achieving,” Mailyn explained. “It was more than just a school, it was my sanctuary, the place where I felt truly seen, valued, and respected, not just another face in the crowd.”

Mailyn will be transferring to Rowan University this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, and she intends to apply to their 4+1 program that would allow her to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She isn’t waiting until the fall to make an impact, she is currently preparing for her exam to become a Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician and plans to launch a health coaching business to help others make informed, healthy lifestyle choices.

“Camden County College has given me a strong foundation, and I’m eager to take this next step toward my future,” she reflected. “I look forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunities to grow even further.”

Congratulations, Mailyn, and congratulations to the class of 2025!

On May 16, Eric Mora Jimenez will proudly lead his peers into the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion as the gonfalon bearer for Camden County College’s School, Community, and Workforce Division. Though he will lead the procession, Eric will be among the youngest graduates crossing the stage that day.

At just 17 years old, Eric, alongside 56 other high school students, will receive his associate degree before even graduating from high school. Eric, who moved to Camden City with his family from the Dominican Republic in 2016, is a standout participant in the Early College Associate Degree (ECAD) program, one of Camden County College’s many college-readiness pathways for high school students. The ECAD program is a specialized partnership with Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) that enables students to meet the NJ Department of Education High School Graduation Requirements while earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Science upon graduation.

Eric began his journey with CCC as a sophomore, transitioning to full-time college coursework by his junior year. As part of the ECAD cohort, he spends his school days on campus from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., immersed in a college environment that he embraced wholeheartedly, despite the initial adjustment.

“It was a culture shock in terms of the change from high school to college,” he admitted.

Eric quickly found his footing at CCC, whether he was attending campus events, playing the piano in Lincoln Hall, or tutoring his fellow students in Spanish, math, or science, Eric made the most of every moment.

“Community colleges are a hidden gem in education,” Eric reflected. “It’s mesmerizing how CCC is less expensive, but the education is just as good, if not better, than four-year schools.”

Eric quickly formed strong bonds with his professors at CCC, describing them as ‘masterful’ in both their knowledge of their subjects, and their approach to educating.

“All of my professors were passionate about their subject,” he said. “They were kind and understanding.”

This fall, Eric will attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a full four-year scholarship, where he will study Physics. He dreams of earning his Ph.D., working for NASA, and one day returning to the Dominican Republic to teach, and to give back to the communities that shaped him.

When asked if he would recommend the rigorous ECAD program to others, his response was immediate.

“Absolutely, this was such a rewarding experience.”

In the rare moments he’s not studying, tutoring, or planning for his future, Eric enjoys spending time with friends, watching TV, playing and listening to music, and catching a well-deserved nap.

Congratulations to Eric, and to the entire class of 2025!

Gionni Johnson’s journey to Camden County College began right after he graduated from Timber Creek Regional High School in 2015. He was nearly finished with his degree when a close friend passed away suddenly. Coping with the loss was difficult for Gionni, and as a result, he withdrew from CCC.

Six years later, Gionni was determined to finish what he started. He re-enrolled at CCC in Spring 2024 while working full-time. He got involved with MAD LIT, a student organization dedicated to the creation and appreciation of literature, where Gionni would often share his original poetry with his fellow students.

Gionni officially earned his associate degree in English in December, but he will walk in alongside his classmates on May 16 at our 57th Annual Commencement. He has already begun his studies at Rowan University, where he switched his course of study to Psychology, inspired by a new purpose.

“I want to learn the brain before and after substance use; one day, I would like to open my own mental health/addiction program and a group that facilitates the direction of young men.”

When Gionni returned to CCC to finish what he started, he found not only the support to pursue his academic goals, but also the clarity and confidence he needed to become the person he aspired to be, academically, professionally, and personally.

“I can easily say my time at CCC has been one of the best seasons of my life,” he reflected. “It has been an imperative factor in the progression-building I needed to grow into the man I was meant to be for my family.”

Congratulations, Gionni, and congratulations to the entire class of 2025!