MONICA McCONCHIE

Monica graduated with honors from Niagara University, in Social Work.  She then earned her MSW from Mary Wood University in Pennsylvania.  At present, she runs a hospice facility in Virginia. Higher education was not a path Monica McConchie had been encouraged to travel. She had been labeled “mentally slow” throughout most of her life.  After graduating from high school, Monica’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, making the care of her mother and younger brother her responsibility.  After her mother’s death, she continued to care for her brother, who had been diagnosed with Manic-Depression and Multiple Sclerosis.

In 1993, a tumor was removed from Monica’s face.  In preparation for this procedure, she had a will and health proxy prepared, paid any outstanding bills, and made sure her burial plot was ready.  What Monica had not anticipated, however, was that she was going to live.  It was at this moment that she realized a second chance had been provided to her.

In September of 1993, Monica started classes at Erie Community College, where she discovered that she was capable of doing academic work.  She earned her A.A.S. degree, maintaining a 3.40 GPA.  It was after this experience that Monica learned her self-worth. With encouragement from her professors, Monica prepared to take the next step.