Celeste Morales used to be self-conscious and quiet. But some home schooling from her mother, coupled with the support and challenges she faced at Cochise College, has changed all of that.

Celeste Morales takes notes during an evening psychology class at the Douglas Campus. The full-time Cochise College student has been invited to participate in the People-to-People Student Ambassador program this summer.

Today, Morales, 18, speaks with confidence of her preparations for the AIMS test and her life as a full-time Cochise College student planning a career in psychology.

 She has her sights set on an Ivy League institution, where she plans to study psychology, particularly how culture affects individuals in different societies.

This summer, Morales hopes to broaden her horizons even more by studying in England, France and Italy as part of the People- to-People Student Ambassador program. The program, founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, provides international educational journeys that combine hands-on cultural experiences, behind-the-scenes access to fascinating people and places, and outdoor adventures to create life-changing educational experiences.

“This opportunity is important to me because being exposed to other cultures will  help me to understand more of what I need to know about psychology, give me a more informed perspective, and improve my personal relationships with other people,” Morales said.

She interviewed and was accepted for the program, which departs the United States in June. However, she needs to raise about $4,500 to help cover the cost of travel and expenses. In addition to her full-time studies, she works three jobs.

She spends 10 hours a week working in the Cochise College Financial Aid Office, six hours a week as a dispatcher in the college Security Office,  another 16 hours each weekend as a uniformed campus security officer, plus being an active member of several clubs at the Cochise College campus. And still manage to maintain a 3.87 grade point average. Several individuals and local clubs already have pitched in to support her.

To prepare for the trip, Morales and the other ambassadors are required to study and complete homework and tests covering the geography, history, food, and habitat of the countries they’ll visit. Their parents also are asked to contribute by providing a good study environment. Morales’s mother, Maria, is also a working student and is contributing funds for the trip.

“I am so proud of her,” Maria said. “She works very hard and has really found herself here at Cochise College.”

Morales has been visiting the Douglas Campus since age 9 and said everyone at Cochise College has been helpful. In particular, three instructors – Dave Pettes, Ruth Britton and Emilie Vardaman – played an important role in bringing her out of her shell.

They challenged her in small ways to build confidence and encouraged her to participate in college activities. She also has volunteered with the DIF food bank and the Casa Pepito Orphanage in Agua Prieta and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the Douglas Campus Social Concerns Club.

“Cochise College is like my second home,” Morales said. “All of the Cochise College instructors and employees have helped me develop personally, and  I feel like they are part of my family. What has been meaningful is the way that people have pointed me in a direction that’s opened my eyes and helped me achieve my goals. Now, if there’s a new challenge, I’m ready to move forward with it, even if it’s scary. Life is about new challenges and experiences.”

Morales also is involved with Global Semesters and is currently applying for scholarships to study abroad. She’d like to spend a year in London. But first, she plans to take part in the People to People Student Ambassador program.  Upon her return she plans to share her journal, photographs, and experience with contributors, schools and civic clubs in our community.

To help her achieve her goal, a savings account, No. 26549 has been opened for this purpose at Southeastern Arizona Federal Credit Union; located at 1600 N Pan American Avenue.  If you would like  to help her achieve her goal any amount of contributions will be appreciated.  

To invite Morales to speak to your group, or if you have any questions please feel free to contact her at(520) 236-2710 or (520) 417-4645.