Profiles from the Pack: Marisela Harkins

Marisela Harkins’ first encounter with Madison College was while working on a farm, when a recruiter encouraged her to further her education. After finishing her GED, taking ESL classes and receiving a degree, her journey came full circle. Now she offers ELS students the same encouragement and confidence that guided her when she started.  

Please tell us your Madison College story. 
I was working at a farm in Portage when an academic manager at Madison College, Alex Fernandez, visited to recruit for the HEP program, which helps agricultural workers get their General Educational Development (GED) at no cost.

I didn’t want to stay on the farm long-term, and Alex’s visit was the push I needed to start my GED. Once I earned my GED, he encouraged me to pursue a two-year degree. I hesitated because I didn’t think my English was good enough, but eventually I decided to pursue my degree in human resources.  

At the time, there was an opening for a part-time English as a Second Language (ESL) recruiter. I wanted to recruit and give others the support, help and confidence that Alex gave me. That’s how my career at Madison College began.

I loved every minute of it. Every student who came in could have been my mom or sister, trying to find information and having trouble navigating the system and language barrier. When they see me, they automatically feel at ease. I keep them calm and guide them.  

After several years, I started a new position, Bilingual Program Support Coordinator, based out of the Portage campus, to help develop continuing education classes in Spanish. I want our ESL students to know there is more here than just ESL classes. This is an environment where they can do many different things and I help them navigate it. 
 
There are a lot of former students working at Madison College. Why do you think they stay? 
The college’s environment is very friendly, and everybody is always willing to help. We might not be able to help students with everything, but if we don't have an answer, we will help them find one. That's how I feel about my colleagues, too. If I don't know something, I'm not afraid to ask a question. We're all in this together.  

What do you do in your free time? 
I love spending time outside – especially in warm weather. We live along the Wisconsin River. In the summer, we have dinner on the boat with the kids, then find a sandbar for them to run around and get their energy out. We do a lot of hikes — Devil’s Lake State Park is very close. 

What is your super skill? 
Translation. Speaking a second language helps me understand both worlds. But it’s not just the words or literal translation. I understand both parties and can build a bridge between people. My husband says I’m a natural at it. I understand what it is to be afraid and not know the college world and how to navigate. So, I come to it with that perspective. 

What are you most proud of? 
People in our small communities see me and remember that I helped them or their sibling, or their child. It makes me really proud to wear my Madison College sweatshirt and being recognized for helping someone. 

Is there something about you that would surprise people?  
I don't think many of our students know that I was once an ESL student. And they would be surprised that I was once in their shoes, feeling scared and that my English wasn't good enough. I share that with our students when they feel like they can’t do this or aren’t good enough. I tell them, you can do this. You got this. Just keep trying.