Finding Purpose Through Persistence: Mariam Yaldram’s ’16 Montgomery College Journey

For Mariam Yaldram ’16, Montgomery College was more than a place to earn a degree—it was a pathway to possibility. “I chose Montgomery College because of the location and affordability,” she said. “I needed to stay close to the support services I needed, and MC allowed me to do that while offering so many opportunities.” 

Mariam, now 34, first enrolled at the College while she was in high school, taking developmental coursework through an alternative education program. But her path was far from traditional. “I dropped out a lot due to my disability,” she said. “But I kept pushing through. I kept trying to get my education.” 

Her persistence paid off. Mariam not only completed her associate degree—she transformed her college experience into one defined by leadership, service, and growth. She participated in student life across campus, serving in student government, joining the Renaissance Scholar Honors Program, going on service-learning trips, and studying abroad in Ethiopia. “I was able to hone in on skills the real world needs—leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving,” she said. “Those opportunities helped me build my confidence and find my voice.” 

Mariam worked hard to create a sense of belonging and boost her self-assurance. “When I first started [at Montgomery College], I was very shy and unsure of myself,” she said. “But once I got involved, I came out of my shell. I learned how to communicate, how to advocate, and how to connect with people.” 

Support systems played a critical role in her success. Mariam credits Montgomery College’s Office of Disability Support Services and faculty mentors with helping her stay on track. “They worked with me through the whole process,” she said. “Even when I had setbacks, they were there to help me move forward.” 

As she progressed, her experiences at Montgomery College opened doors beyond the classroom. After transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County at the Universities at Shady Grove to earn a degree in history, she returned to MC to earn a TESOL certification—an experience that helped launch her to an international stage. Mariam earned a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Taiwan, where she taught middle school students and strengthened her commitment to education. “That experience really changed me,” she said. “It made me realize how much I love teaching and making a difference.” 

Today, Mariam continues to change lives as an educator with Teach for America while also serving her community in numerous leadership and mentorship roles. She is a member of the Montgomery College Alumni Board of Governors. She is a published author of Tear in Your Hand, available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. She earned the 2025 Montgomery County Women Making History Award. She is also a wife and mother of two young children, balancing her professional commitments with family life and caregiving responsibilities for her mother and brother. 

Reflecting on her personal—and professional—journey, Mariam points to two defining themes, discovery and resilience “Montgomery College helped me discover who I am—and showed me that even when things are hard, you can keep going.” Her message to current students is simple but powerful: “Never give up. Keep moving forward, even when it feels hard. There is hope—and there is support.”