Anya

Anya Mazelev prefers the fast track. At 16 years of age, she earned her high school diploma from River Hill and associate degree in general studies from Howard Community College; all at once as a dual enrollment student.

In middle school, her parents encouraged her to enroll in the JumpStart dual enrollment program. JumpStart is a partnership between HCC and the Howard County Public School System designed for high school students to enroll in college courses.

After struggling on her first college test, Anya met with tutors in HCC’s Learning Assistance Center. Tutors sharpened her skills in statistics and calculus. “HCC tutoring was a game-changer! The patient and knowledgeable tutors, personalized approach, and easy virtual access made it invaluable for my success," says Anya. She also joined HCC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges.

While applying to four-year universities, and contemplating her major, Anya was drawn to HCC’s economics courses. She decided to major in finance and attend the University of Maryland.

Thanks to her dual enrollment coursework, Anya estimates she saved nearly 50-percent in undergraduate tuition. “I didn’t want to take any loans out. I try to go for the best, but at a low cost,” says Anya.

Four months after graduating from HCC in September 2021, Anya began an internship with the U.S. federal government which has since opened doors. She is converting to a full-time contract specialist position with the U.S. federal government. "This role feels like taking the first step into understanding the legal side of business operation. I can blend my interest in law with the practical world of business management."

In May 2023, at the age of 18, Anya earned her bachelor’s degree in finance. She is on pace to secure her master’s degree in business analytics from the University of Maryland in spring 2024.