Graduate Looks Forward to Making a Difference in the Classroom
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Mickiella Sonét Helms knew early on that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children— but getting there would take more than passion alone. It would take discipline, long hours, and a commitment to keep going even when it wasn’t easy.
Now, Helms is celebrating her Rio Salado College graduation - a milestone that reflects not only her hard work, but the purpose that guided her every step of the way.
“Reaching this goal came down to determination and an unwillingness to quit,” Helms said. “Maintaining a 4.0 along the way was something I’m proud of, but I won’t pretend it was easy. It took real effort every single day.”
Helms pursued an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, a path that reflects both her passion and her purpose.
“I chose Early Childhood Education because it is a field that demands passion, and passion is something I have always had for children,” Helms said. “I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when a child doesn’t receive the support they need to grow and thrive. I believe I can make a difference— even if it’s just for one child. That is enough for me.”
Like many Rio Salado students, Helms balanced her education with a busy schedule. At times, she was working two jobs while keeping up with her coursework.
“It’s not an uncommon story among students, but that does not make it any less challenging,” Helms said.
She chose Rio Salado for its flexibility, but quickly realized that online learning would test her in new ways.
“I chose Rio Salado because its self-paced, online format gave me the flexibility to work around my schedule,” Helms said. “I have always learned better in a classroom setting, so pushing through an online program required a level of discipline I had to build along the way.”
Even during moments of doubt, Helms found ways to keep moving forward with support from those closest to her. As she neared the end of her program, Helms faced a new challenge.
“Closer to the end of my program, I found myself questioning everything— whether I was on the right path and whether this degree was truly worth it,” Helms said.
The answer came when she stepped into a real-world learning environment.
“What pulled me back was my internship,” she said. “Getting that real-life experience working with children reminded me exactly why I started. In that moment, all the doubt disappeared, and I knew without question that this is what I am meant to do.”
She also recognizes the support system that helped her succeed.
“Alongside the pride, I feel deep gratitude,” Helms said. “I know how lucky I am to have people in my life who pushed me forward and celebrated every step of this journey with me.”
Looking ahead, Helms isn’t focused on a specific job title. Instead, she’s focused on making a meaningful impact.
“I’m not chasing a specific job title; I’m chasing something bigger,” Helms said. “I want to become the person I wish more children had— a caring, knowledgeable adult who truly shows up for them.”
As she looks back on her journey, Helms hopes her story encourages others who may be facing their own challenges.
“I am still early in my journey, with a lot ahead of me,” Helms said. “But if I could leave anyone with something, it would be this: trust yourself, push yourself, and surround yourself with people who will do the same. Because on the days you can’t carry yourself forward, those people will.”
Her goals are rooted in advocacy, growth, and making a difference in the lives of young learners.
“I want to advocate for early childhood development and fight for the resources every child deserves,” Helms said. “When I think about my future, it’s not about where I end up. It’s about running toward that feeling: the feeling I get when I watch a new concept click in a child’s mind, when I know, without a doubt, that I made a difference in someone’s life.”