Faces of COM’s Success

Leawana Williams

Hear from COM Collegiate High School student and peer mentor Leawana Williams as she shares what inspires her journey and how COM has supported her along the way.

Abdu Meguader

“I chose COM because I wanted a school that would support my transfer to a four-year university. My experience here has been incredible, as I’ve met so many wonderful people and lifelong friends. COM has supported me academically and personally by allowing me to participate in initiatives like working at the tutoring center and serving as a President’s Ambassador, where I get to contribute to the school’s mission. My most memorable moment was attending the 2024 HACU conference in Colorado, where I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and network with potential employers.”

Lydia Wardell

“I’ve been a certified surgical technologist since 1988, and what’s always drawn me in is the fast-paced, team-focused environment of the OR and the chance to make a real impact on patients at their most vulnerable. Since 2006, I’ve shared that passion through teaching by helping students build confidence, develop competence, and embrace a commitment to excellence. At College of the Mainland, our students train in a hands-on, real-world setting with state-of-the-art labs and dedicated faculty. With strong community ties and a focus on workforce development, COM is the perfect place to launch and grow the surgical technology program.”

Carl McIntyre

Hear from COM Engineering Professor Carl McIntyre as he shares why he enjoys the engineering field and what he values about working at COM.

Brittany Shelby

“As the Culinary Arts program coordinator at College of the Mainland, I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting new chapter that launched in 2024. What I love most about teaching at COM is witnessing our inaugural cohort’s incredible progress as they master foundational skills in our brand-new, modern kitchen facilities. It’s especially rewarding to see our first group of students approaching their Professional Cook Certificate completion. Watching them evolve from day one, when some were barely comfortable holding a knife, to now confidently executing complex techniques and menu planning has been remarkable. While we’re still writing our program’s success stories, the determination and growth I’ve seen in our students’ eyes during these first two semesters tells me we’re building something truly special here at COM.”

Destiny Tobey

“College felt out of reach after I dropped out of two universities and spent years waiting tables. One night, I decided to change that and applied to COM. Coming back was scary, but receiving my Phi Theta Kappa invitation proved I belonged. Balancing school and family, especially while I was pregnant, was challenging, but my professors were incredibly supportive. Earning my first A in an engineering class showed me I could succeed. Between classes, I study, attend club meetings and go to the gym. The community here is amazing, and I’ve made lifelong friends. Now, I am preparing to transfer for aerospace engineering, knowing COM gave me the foundation I needed.”