Midland College (MC) takes pride in serving a diverse student population, with alumni Hena Patel and Elizabeth Whitten exemplifying this diversity.
According to an MC news release, both students excelled at the institution despite their differing backgrounds. The college is pleased to be part of their ongoing success. Whitten is currently employed at Midland Independent School District (ISD) and is pursuing a degree in education while managing her responsibilities as a mother. Meanwhile, Patel is advancing her career in science while residing in Fort Worth.
Patel, originally from India, moved to Midland at the age of six when her parents operated hotels in the area. Despite facing an initial language barrier upon enrolling at De Zavala Elementary School, she embraced the challenge and immersed herself in mathematics. In 2017, she enrolled at Early College High School (ECHS) at Midland College.
"Math just always came easy for me," Patel said. "While I was taking courses at Midland College, I discovered a passion for science." She further explained that she took numerous science courses and joined the Midland Chemistry Club student chapter of the American Chemical Society. "I also participated in Midland College science research projects," Patel added. "Because of that opportunity, I decided that I wanted my career path to go in the direction of scientific research and/or academia."
Whitten's journey to Midland College included a detour to California due to a family emergency that eventually brought her back to Midland. She married, had children, and is now enrolled in the Sul Ross program at MC working toward a bachelor’s degree in education.
"Midland College is actually the third higher education institution that I attended," Whitten said. She was born and raised in New Deal, Texas, near Lubbock, graduating from New Deal High School. While still in high school, she received a partial scholarship to the American Dramatic & Musical Academy in Los Angeles. "So there I was in LA—a 17-year-old girl from New Deal, Texas," Whitten recalled. "It was definitely an eye-opener!"