Stories & Case Studies
During the month of April, Achieving the Dream joins colleges across the country in celebrating Community College Month — a time to recognize the transformative impact of community colleges on students, families, and communities. This year, ATD is spotlighting voices from its network of Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction, highlighting how student success is shaped at every level of these exemplary institutions. Through a monthlong campaign organized around four themes — Students Speak, Leaders Listen, Teaching That Transforms, and Support in Action — we’re sharing the stories of the people who bring this work to life every day — and those whose lives are touched by it.
This blog kicks off our Students Speak spotlights, which center the lived experiences of students and the journeys that define their paths. We begin with Shawnisa “Birdie” Estep, a student at Anne Arundel Community College (Maryland) whose story reflects resilience, reinvention, and purpose. After nearly 13 years in the Navy, Birdie is forging a new path — one that blends her passion for working with children and her love of animals into a future focused on supporting those with disabilities through animal-assisted therapy.
Q: What inspired you to attend your community college, and what are you hoping to achieve through your education?
A: Community college honestly wasn’t part of my original plan. I was preparing to move back to Maryland from Florida and expected to start at UMD, but the week of my move I learned I wasn’t accepted. I was devastated and unsure what to do next. A close friend encouraged me to apply to Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) because of their quick admissions process and her own positive experience there. After researching and seeing how highly ranked AACC was, I applied immediately. They accepted me right away and helped me get everything coordinated with Veterans Affairs, which made the transition so much smoother.
Through my education, I’m working toward a career supporting children with autism and disabilities, eventually integrating animal-assisted therapy. My academic path blends human development, psychology, and animal science so I can build a career that aligns with both my passion and my purpose.
“Not everyone gets the chance to pursue higher education, especially later in life, so I see this as my second chance. Thinking about the children and families I hope to support keeps me grounded and motivated.”
—
Q: What helps you stay motivated when college becomes challenging?
A: When things get difficult, I remind myself why I left the Navy and what I’m working toward. I spent almost 13 years in a demanding engineering role, and I know I’m capable of pushing through hard things. Not everyone gets the chance to pursue higher education, especially later in life, so I see this as my second chance. Thinking about the children and families I hope to support keeps me grounded and motivated.
Q: Is there a person, program, or experience at your college that has made a meaningful difference in your journey?
A: My ASL [American Sign Language] classes have made a huge impact on me. I didn’t even know AACC offered ASL until I was registering, and, once I started, I was hooked. Learning a new language and entering Deaf culture has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I’ve made new friends, connected with the Deaf community, and experienced what it feels like to communicate in a way that makes others feel seen and understood. It’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience.
“AACC opened the door to an entirely new field. Through my coursework, volunteering, and exposure to different disciplines, I now see a clear path toward behavioral health, special education, and animal-assisted therapy.”
—
Q: How has your college helped you see new possibilities for your future?
A: Before college, all I knew was naval engineering — engines, fuel systems, compressors, and machinery. I loved animals and I loved helping children, but I didn’t have the academic background to pursue those interests professionally. AACC opened the door to an entirely new field. Through my coursework, volunteering, and exposure to different disciplines, I now see a clear path toward behavioral health, special education, and animalassisted therapy. College has given me the foundation and confidence to build a completely new career.
Q: How does your college make you feel like your voice matters?
A: AACC has made me feel valued from my very first semester. My academic advisor listens to my goals and helps me plan intentionally, offering options that support my longterm vision. Being able to use my preferred name and having everyone respect it makes a huge difference. The campus environment is inclusive — events, classrooms, and student spaces welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. The smaller class sizes help me feel connected; by the end of each semester, I usually know all my classmates and my professors know us as individuals. Surveys, open communication, and the willingness of faculty and peers to help when I have questions all reinforce that I’m not alone and that my voice truly matters here.