Meet Jenny: Mom, Domestic Violence Survivor and Soon-to-Be HACC Graduate

 Manchester, PA

“One of the great things about HACC is that you can stop and start as many times as you need and they’re always there.”

Jenny Rascoe started her HACC journey in 2008. Like many HACC students, life experiences extended her educational timeline. She said, “I had to tend to my family, take a breather, write a book about surviving domestic violence and other abuses, and most recently, heal from a broken leg,” leading her to take breaks throughout her education.

The HACC nursing student said, “One of the great things about HACC is that you can stop and start as many times as you need and they’re always there. I’ve always been able to pick up where I left off seamlessly.”

“I struggled through a couple years of working full time and schooling on my own as a single mother. My grades suffered and I was clearly over extended.” Now, over 10 years later from her start with HACC, the proud mom is on track to graduate and complete her dream in 2021 at age 40! In fact, she is graduating the same year as her daughter who is graduating from high school!

She added, “My ‘new’ husband has been in my corner and pushing me to be my best. We have been married for 3.5 years and when I am in school, he takes care of dinner and chores and ensures our kids get to whatever sports and activities they need to.”

Jenny attends HACC while continuing to work at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UMPC) as an licensed practical nurse (LPN). She said one of her favorite things about HACC is that she’s been able to complete a lot of her coursework online. HACC offers numerous classes online for students to take at times that work with their life schedule. 

Jenny’s advice to other women who may be in similar shoes is “Start somewhere. Pick a class and just start.”

Learn more about Jenny’s journey at HACC in this video.

Explore your career options at HACC. Please contact an admissions counselor to visit a campus today!