A Student’s Own Story

Christopher Rowley has a passion for helping students overcome emotional barriers and find personal happiness and college success. But it took a family illness and some soul searching to lead him to Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) and the Mental Health / Human Service programthe program that made a difference in Rowley's life.

It's probably one of the best things that ever happened to me, he said.

Rowley first discovered he enjoyed helping others when his mother was diagnosed with cancer and he became her caretaker. Once the cancer was in remission, Rowley knew he had the opportunity to make some changes in his life. A high school dropout, hed spent years working dead-end jobs and knew he needed an education to obtain a fulfilling career. However, he could not decide what career to pursue.

After passing the General Educational Development test (GED) and taking a term of general education classes at MHCC, Rowley enrolled in the Mental Health / Human Service program.

The journey for me really became complete when I found out what a great school MHCC is the mixture of feeling at home on campus and finding the most amazing program anyone could ask for, he said.

He has nothing but praise for the program, noting its reputation in the community. Several people not connected with the program told me it offers a very high level of education, equivalent to what you learn in a master's program.

Rowley is specializing in addiction and youth work, and will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mental Health / Human Service in June 2009. He plans to transfer to Concordia University to take advantage of the dual enrollment agreement between MHCC and Concordia. By completing his general education classes at MHCC, he can then take upper division social work classes at Concordia to attain a bachelors degree.

After completing his bachelors degree, Rowley wants to become a counselor in an educational setting, and hes not worried about landing a job.

Whats great about this program is its hard not to find a job, he said.

Currently, Rowley is completing an internship, a curriculum requirement, at the MHCC Career Planning and Counseling Center. He enjoyed working at the center so much, he volunteered to work there over the summer. One of his goals is to spread the word about their services.

Everyone knows they can come see us if they need help with careers, but they don't know they can come in if they're feeling depressed or having panic attacks.

To get the word out, Rowley created a brochure about anxiety and a video about the center, which has been featured on the MHCC Web site.

In his peer mentoring, Rowley emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life and college. He understands from personal experience the challenges that can arise while discovering a path in life, but he knows theres a light at the end of the tunnel.

Ive met so many lifelong friends at MHCC, he said. I love getting up in the morning, love coming to school.

For more information about the Mental Health / Human Service program, call 503-491-7178. To arrange an appointment with the Career Planning and Counseling Center, call 503-491-7432.