Alumna Carmen Hayes will read her children’s books at HFC

HFC alumna and author Carmen Hayes is excited to return to her alma mater to read three of her children’s books on Thursday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Berry Auditorium of the Andrew A. Mazzara Administrative Services & Conference Center (ASCC) (Building L on the main campus).

“This is so surreal! I did not expect this opportunity,” said Hayes, of Farmington Hills.

At this event – sponsored by the HFC School of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the HFC Future Teachers Association (FTA) – Hayes will read three books that she wrote under the pseudonym Carmen Lanaé to students from Hillcrest Elementary School in Dearborn Heights.

These books can be found online or at local booksellers:

• Princess Nellie
• How Mason Became Captain Shoelace
• I’ll Fly When I’m Ready

HFC Pre-Education Director Dr. Carolyn Casale invited Hayes to do the readings.

“Pre-Education is excited to host Carmen, an HFC alumna. Carmen’s books promote interactive and fun reading. I love the way her literature is designed to promote reading as a non-stressful, enjoyable activity,” said Casale. “We are excited to host Hillcrest Elementary on our campus. The fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Eman Hojeij, has a special partnership with the HFC Pre-Education program. Mrs. Hojeij has our Pre-Education students as observers in her class. This mentoring of our students enables them to learn skills to be successful in their classrooms. I am grateful and honored to work alongside Mrs. Hojeij.”

“My students and I are thrilled about the upcoming event in November, where we’ll get to meet the incredible author Carmen Hayes!” said Hojeij. “This is an unforgettable opportunity for my young readers. We can’t wait to dive into her world of stories and imagination.”

After Hayes’ presentation, the Hillcrest students will attend a special show at the Hammond Planetarium (Room J-102) in the Science Building (Building J on the main campus).

“The children will be on a field trip,” said Hayes. “I’m ecstatic to be a part of their day sharing my stories.”

A special place in her heart for Princess Nellie

Of the five books she’s written, Princess Nellie is the one Hayes holds nearest and dearest to her heart. Her late cousin Darnella inspired the creation of the titular character.

“I dedicated this book to Darnella, who passed away a few years ago from COVID-19,” said Hayes. “Every time I get a chance to share this story with someone, it fills my heart. I miss her immensely. She gave me the inspiration for this story. And because I’m so passionate about this, I know the children will be able to experience the love and joy that came from writing Princess Nellie.”

She spoke about the plot of Princess Nellie.

“Princess Nellie is a princess who’s never been outside the castle,” said Hayes. “She’s an only child without friends. She’s planning her own birthday party, and she allows her audience – the readers – to come along with her for this exciting ride.”

During her time at HFC, Hayes began adapting Princess Nellie into an animated short film. HFC Director of Media Communication Arts Susan McGraw assisted her.

“Carmen is a creative, passionate, and brilliant storyteller,” said McGraw. “HFC is lucky to enjoy this rare treat as she shares her work firsthand and in her own voice. I'm extremely proud of Carmen in her life's work of helping children and families with beautiful stories told in her own special way.”

Hayes is still working on the script and offered a progress report.

“It’s going well,” said Hayes. “It’s still in the developmental stage. Work has been quite busy, so I’m taking my time. I’m hoping to have it completed by the end of the year. I’ll be starting a casting call soon to get the voices for my characters. I can't wait to bring this to life!”

HFC instilled hard work and discipline in Hayes

Born in Detroit, Hayes is the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled and enrolled at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) after graduation. By her own admission, Hayes had trouble adapting to HFC and also had health problems, which she has spoken about candidly.

“I was diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager. Writing became my way of expressing my voice. It has helped me cope with my diagnosis. It has been very therapeutic. It got me through not understanding epilepsy and eventually accepting it. I was able to process things through writing instead of being nonverbal about it,” she explained.

Hayes left college for a while, but then returned to HFC in 2022. This time around, she was ready. She also had five books to her name. Earlier this year, Hayes earned her associate degree in liberal arts. In 2025, she will continue her education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she will major in journalism and media communications.

Although she’s looking forward to attending UM-Dearborn, Hayes confessed she misses the atmosphere of HFC and her instructors, including McGraw and her two fellow MCA instructors Dr. Tom Hopkins and Courtney Spivak.

“Honestly, going back to college has been the best decision I’ve made in my adulthood,” said Hayes. “Choosing to finish my education at HFC made this experience even better. The College is different from my first time around, but I’m different as well. The College instilled hard work and discipline in me and I was challenged in every way. Having a seizure disorder really made me insecure in my abilities, and that caused me to not try as hard. I learned to push myself but to also extend myself grace as well. Doctors told my parents I’d never have a normal life. I am living proof that you can overcome and succeed! So, I don’t take any opportunities lightly. Any time I can share my story and give anyone hope and encouragement if they feel like giving up, I will.”

The event is free and open to the public. For questions or more information about this event, contact Casale at 313-317-6580 or ccasale@hfcc.edu.