HCTC Gives First-Generation Graduate a Head Start on Career in Speech-Language Pathology

When Keesha Christy graduated from high school, she had already obtained an associate degree and 62 college credit hours from Hazard Community and Technical College, giving her a strong head start on a path that would eventually lead to a master’s degree and a career helping children communicate.

After transferring to EKU, Keesha continued through graduate school, and became the first person in her family to earn a master’s degree.

Today, she works as a speech-language pathologist at Easterseals Bluegrass in Lexington, helping children with communication and feeding needs.

“Seeing a child succeed and do something for the first time is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” Keesha said. 

For Keesha, beginning at HCTC allowed her to start close to home, build college credit early and create a foundation she could carry with her to EKU and beyond.

“Earning my master's degree was a major milestone in my life,” Keesha said. “Being an HCTC alumna means being proud of where I started and grateful for the foundation HCTC gave me to pursue my career in speech-language pathology. It will always be an important part of my journey.”