Building community connections

As the first in her family to go to a four-year college, Macey McAtee ’21 was facing a lot of unknowns at the beginning of her time on the Hill. The Catherine McAuley Scholarship and Project Connect program connected Macey with the resources she needed to have a successful college experience.

“It’s important to find a community that makes you feel happy, whole, and refreshed,” Macey shared.

Macey found her community at Mount Mercy University. The Hill felt like home when she stepped onto campus. It was her gut feeling—along with the McAuley Scholarship—that made her confident in her decision to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Mount Mercy.

The support she gained from the McAuley Scholarship and Project Connect made the daunting process of going to college more accessible.

“I am so thankful for Project Connect,” said Macey. “I had access to these resources I didn’t know existed.”

Being connected to resources early on in her academic career, Macey knew where to turn when she needed guidance.

“Being a McAuley Scholar was a huge component as to why I transitioned so smoothly into social work when I changed majors,” said Macey. “We were introduced to career services early, so I worked with them and got advice on what would be good professions for me.”

Conversations with Kalindi Garvin in Career Services and Joni Howland helped Macey decide that social work aligned well with her skills and goals. It didn’t take long for Macey to know she had made the right choice.

“The professors in the social work department are so supportive,” said Macey. “They do such a good job to help you succeed, even when it doesn’t seem possible.”

Joni in particular made a meaningful impact on Macey during her time on the Hill.

“Joni Howland was a huge, influential mentor in my life,” Macey shared. “She never let me doubt my passion.”

Macey got to know her peers in the social work program well during her time at Mount Mercy. Their small classes gave a great opportunity to bond with one another. That bond has stayed strong even after graduation.

The connections Macey made through the social work program and being a McAuley Scholar have continued to be helpful after graduation.

“Being a McAuley Scholar has benefited me to this day,” Macey shared. “We graduated and they helped with our LinkedIn pages and we have a constant connection to Career Services.”

The relationships that Macey made early on at Mount Mercy helped her secure a job in her field. She now works as a Case Manager Fellow at Lydia’s House, a women and children’s shelter, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In her role, Macey works one-on-one with individuals applying and interviewing to be in the shelter. She is the first step in the case management process, so she helps people settle into the shelter, secure important documents, and apply for benefits.

The practical skills that Macey gained in her classes and during her field placements enabled her to be successful in her role.

“In a lot of my evaluations, I get back that I am a really good listener,” said Macey. “That’s definitely something our professors stressed—knowing our body language, other people’s body language, and how to just listen to someone in times of crisis.”

Macey learned about the importance of community from the support she received as a McAuley Scholar and Project Connect member at Mount Mercy. Now Macey helps build community for others. She encourages everyone to look for their own community.

“I truly believe that you will succeed when you're involved in community, and community does look different for everybody,” said Macey.