Gracious Mhlanga: Pursuing a Future in Cellular Biology and Cancer Research
For Gracious Mhlanga, science isn’t just about understanding the world—it’s about changing it. A Zimbabwean-American and sophomore at Pasadena City College (PCC), Gracious is passionate about how biology can contribute to advancements in medicine. With a strong interest in cancer treatment research, she is making the most of her time at PCC, taking advantage of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
Visit Gracious’ LinkedIn Profile here
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“I’ve always been fascinated by how people use science to make positive changes in the world.”
Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I graduated from Rosemead High School in 2023 and am currently a sophomore at Pasadena City College. I’m also Zimbabwean-American, and I’ve always been fascinated by how people use science to make positive changes in the world.
What brought you to Pasadena City College, and what are you studying?
I chose to attend Pasadena City College because it was the best financial choice at the time, and PCC had a lot of connections with my high school. I’m majoring in biology.
Academic and Career Goals
What are your academic and career goals?
My academic goal is to transfer to a 4-year university and earn a Bachelor’s in Cellular Biology. As for my career goal, I hope to have a job involving cancer treatment research.
How has your experience at this community college influenced or shaped your goals?
My experience at PCC has helped shape my goals by providing me with opportunities to learn more about what there is to offer in the field of science.
Experience at the Community College
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time here so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my time at PCC so far has been the people I’ve met and had conversations with. I’ve had the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and passions.
Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at PCC?
A highlight from my time so far at PCC has been some of the labs I’ve gotten to do in my science courses—they are usually my favorite part of the class.
How have the faculty and staff supported your educational journey?
The faculty and staff at PCC, especially Dr. Ashcroft and Dr. Blatti, have helped support me a lot with my academic journey by offering guidance and advice but also informing me of various research opportunities that offer me the chance to gain experience in the things that I’m interested in, such as science.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
What challenges have you faced during your time at PCC, and how have you overcome them?
I faced challenges balancing many classes, especially during my first year at PCC. But I overcame that by utilizing my resources and trying to be on top of everything.
How has the community college environment helped you address these challenges?
The environment at PCC helped me address this challenge by offering us many resources and hearing other students talk about similar challenges.
Involvement and Activities
Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities?
I’m a part of the PCC Transfer Bound program, the PCC Biology Club, which I’m the secretary of, and Caltech Connections and the CUR STR program. All of these activities have been positive experiences.
How have these activities contributed to your personal and professional growth?
These activities have helped me grow by allowing me to work on different aspects of my academic journey. For instance, with the transfer process and scientific research.
Connection to the Community
How do you feel your time at PCC has connected you to the broader community?
PCC has provided me with many opportunities to talk with different community members, especially in my classes.
Have you participated in any community service or outreach programs through the college?
Not that long ago, I participated in PCC’s STEM Saturday. It’s where high schoolers come to PCC and learn more about biology. I helped by participating in the Biology Panel, where I talked to the high schoolers about being a biology major.
Advice for Other Students
What advice would you give to new or prospective students considering PCC?
I would say to make sure you are aware of all the resources available to the students at PCC because you never know if one of them could be useful to you. Also, I would say to try not to overwhelm yourself, especially with your course load. Dropping a class is always an option, but after you’ve thought it through.
What resources or support systems have you found most helpful, and would you recommend them to others?
I’ve found that the STEM Center, the PCC counselors, and the professor’s office hours are the most helpful. I would recommend all of those.
Reflection and Future Plans
Looking back, how do you feel your experiences at PCC have prepared you for the future?
My experiences at PCC so far have prepared me for the future by letting me learn how to balance many classes, know when it’s best to drop a class, work with different people in different environments, and gain lab/research skills.
What are your plans after graduation, and how has PCC prepared you for these next steps?
My plans after graduation are to transfer straight to a 4-year college and work towards earning my Bachelor’s degree. My time at PCC has prepared me for these next steps by allowing me to gain many skills from my classes and research experiences.
Gracious Mhlanga’s journey at PCC is a testament to the power of community college education in shaping future scientists and researchers. Her dedication to learning, research, and mentorship exemplifies the opportunities available at PCC.
If you’re interested in learning more about MNT-EC, nanotechnology, or how community colleges are creating pathways in STEM fields, please feel free to reach out.
