WEST WINDSOR, N.J. — Latasha White, a mother of three sons and a non-traditional student at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has proven that success can happen at any age, and was selected as this year’s commencement student speaker. 
— MCCC photo
MCCC’s 51st Commencement ceremony took place Thursday, May 17 at 6 p.m. on the West Windsor Campus, where White, who enrolled at 33 as a day student, was among more than 1,000 students who graduated.
“I wasn’t going to let my age stop me,” said White.
White has not only proven that success can come at any age, but that adults are often guided by strong convictions and a sense of purpose that fuel their success.
With her experience as primary caregiver for her mother who passed away from cancer in 2010, White decided to trade in her desk job in accounting for a profession where she could help people, especially the elderly.
Thus, White has earned an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Public Health in May 2018 and will obtain another in Nursing in December 2018 that will prepare her to assist the elderly who are most in need.
As a self-described math and science geek, White’s math professor nominated her as commencement student speaker, describing her as a “remarkable student,” who has exceled in honors courses and the Nursing program.
“My professors were able to see something in me. I began to see myself through their eyes,” White says.
That together with White’s warm and compassionate personality, they add up to a very special person.
“I have always been told that I have the ability to bring positivity and comfort to people,” she said.
“Mercer encompasses what community means to me. I have been met with support and kindness. It has been instrumental in shaping the person I have become.”
To illustrate, White is very involved in campus organizations and activities where she helps others.
She has served as vice president of Mercer’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society; as treasurer of the Student Nurse Association; as member of the Student Government Association; a peer tutor; a member of the Math Club; and she currently works in the Transfer Office, where she often offers peer-to-peer advice.
White believes the possibilities in life are endless.
“Life is about steps, not giant leaps. Mercer is a great stepping stone. It’s a beginning – or a new beginning for non-traditional students like me.”
White hopes her three sons will follow in her footsteps.
Her oldest, 19-year-old Tahj-Malik woods, is also enrolled at MCCC as a music major.
“He has already made his own identity here,” she said, adding that she knows he is proud of her.
Her two younger boys are ages 8 and 9.
“I want to be a role model for my kids. They know they are going to college,” said White.