Graduate Profiles Archives - Mount Wachusett Community College Experience 亚色影库! Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:55:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2017/07/favicon.png Graduate Profiles Archives - Mount Wachusett Community College 32 32 Graduate Profile Class of 2025: Julian Anderson /blog/graduate-profile-class-of-2025-julian-anderson/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:55:14 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=113502 Julian Anderson, originally of Hanson, started his 亚色影库 with a selfie. This would normally not be anything to shout about, but Julian posted a selfie in the parking lot of the school every day, 283 times over the course of two years. He became affectionately known as 鈥淧arking Lot Selfie Guy鈥 to 亚色影库 campus app […]

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Julian Anderson aka parking lot selfie guy
Julian Anderson, Class of 2025, Media Arts and Technology

Julian Anderson, originally of Hanson, started his 亚色影库 with a selfie. This would normally not be anything to shout about, but Julian posted a selfie in the parking lot of the school every day, 283 times over the course of two years. He became affectionately known as 鈥淧arking Lot Selfie Guy鈥 to 亚色影库 campus app users.

Between selfies, Anderson earned high honors and was a member of the Commonwealth Honors Program. He also earned the Media Arts and Technology Audio Engineering Curriculum Award.

Anderson credits the supportiveness of the staff and faculty at 亚色影库 for his success.

鈥淚 am deeply grateful for the experiences, connections, and support I received during my time here. From the very beginning, at the New Student Welcome, I felt the warmth and dedication of this institution. The event, filled with free food, music, and helpful staff, set the tone for what would become a transformative journey,鈥 Anderson states. 鈥淢ount Wachusett is a place where every day feels like a celebration of student success, thanks to the unwavering commitment of its staff to go above and beyond for their students.鈥

Anderson quickly found that the staff at Mount Wachusett embodied the spirit of community, always ready to assist students, even beyond their official roles, 鈥淲hether it was finding free pizza or offering advice, their dedication made every challenge feel surmountable.鈥

The friendships and bonds Anderson formed with fellow students were invaluable. Sharing his journey with others who were just as nervous and inexperienced created a sense of belonging and mutual support that made the college experience truly special.

Anderson calls graduating from Mount Wachusett Community College a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the strength of community.

鈥淭he college鈥檚 emphasis on fostering connections, addressing fears, and providing unwavering support made the goal of completing college not just achievable but deeply rewarding,鈥 he shared.

Anderson plans to put his Associate Degree in Media Arts and Technology to work, he is actively seeking a role as an audio engineer. Here at 亚色影库, we will miss seeing Parking Lot Selfie Guy every morning on our campus app feed.

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Graduate Profile: Sara Leopaldi, Newman Fellow and Student Parent Champion /blog/sara-leopaldi-newman-fellow-and-student-parent-champion/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:21:25 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=113388 Sara Leopaldi is a passionate advocate, leader, and changemaker whose commitment to service has left a profound impact on the Mount Wachusett Community College (亚色影库) campus and the wider region it serves. As the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Service Above Self Award, Sara has distinguished herself through her unwavering dedication to supporting student parents, […]

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Sara Leopaldi at Campus Contact
Sara Leopaldi at Campus Contact

Sara Leopaldi is a passionate advocate, leader, and changemaker whose commitment to service has left a profound impact on the Mount Wachusett Community College (亚色影库) campus and the wider region it serves. As the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Service Above Self Award, Sara has distinguished herself through her unwavering dedication to supporting student parents, expanding access to early childhood education, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments for families navigating higher education.

By a personal connection to Autism, she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children while simultaneously leading 亚色影库鈥檚 Child Watch program and serving as a Newman Civic Fellow. Whether presenting at national conferences or organizing community-centered workshops, Sara鈥檚 leadership exemplifies the power of empathy, service, and a deep-rooted belief in creating lasting change.

First off, congratulations on receiving the Newman Fellowship! What was that like for you?

Receiving the Newman fellowship and taking part in the workshops and opportunities provided was a life-changing experience in my education and my personal growth.

How did you find out you got it, and what went through your head when you did?

I was told by Ann Reynolds that I听 was receiving the Newman Fellowship and when I attended the service learning award ceremony I was awarded this Newman Fellowship but had no idea what this was or the extent it would impact my life.

My head could not wrap my head around the fact I was being given this prestigious opportunity for the work I have done for the community. I have never been the student with honors or the student getting an award so this was a whole new experience and feeling for me. I truly did not believe I deserved this Newman fellowship at first. I thought to myself they have the wrong person for this and why would they choose me? I haven’t even done that much.

What was it like going to the ceremony?

Being awarded the Newman Fellowship was a truly unforgettable experience. From the ceremony at 亚色影库 to attending every workshop offered by Campus Compact and the fellowship, to finally participating in the Newman Convening in Chicago鈥攊t was a journey of growth and discovery.

In the months following the fellowship announcement, I immersed myself in leadership development workshops, gaining insight into what it truly means to be an intentional community leader. These workshops covered topics such as public policy, trauma-informed care, Civic Engagement, and how to create positive change within communities. I learned so much鈥攏ot just from the content, but also by connecting with students from across the country, all engaged in different types of civic work on their campuses.

One of the most impactful parts of the experience was the opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with these future community leaders through Zoom workshops. The highlight was attending the Newman Convening in Chicago, a three-day event packed with sessions focused on civic engagement and community leadership. When I first arrived at the convening, I honestly felt out of place. I didn鈥檛 fully understand what civic engagement was, and I was surrounded by students who had already made such profound impacts on their campuses and in their communities.

But everything shifted on that first day. I found myself in a session about creating change on campus, listening to others share their journeys. At that moment, I began to see why I was chosen for this honor. I realized just how much I had already done for my own campus and community. The other Newman Fellows, who I had been nervous to meet, quickly became friends and collaborators鈥攑eople I continue to work with today. The friendships, knowledge, and skills I gained through this experience have shaped me into a stronger community leader and a better human being, committed to creating positive change not just on campus, but in the wider community.

This opportunity also profoundly boosted my confidence and self-esteem. As someone who has struggled with self-doubt, it was humbling to be surrounded by such accomplished scholars鈥攑eople who reminded me that I do deserve to be here, and that I am making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in my community.

sara leopaldi and ann reynolds
Sara Leopaldi and Ann Reynolds at Generation Hope 2025 Conference

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for the Newman Fellowship? Anything you learned during the process that could help someone else?

The advice I would give is this: Don鈥檛 just accept the Newman Fellowship and consider it done鈥攆ully engage with everything it offers. Take part in as many workshops as you can, and if at all possible, attend the Newman Convening.

I also highly recommend applying for the mini-grant to help create even more positive change on your campus. Truly participating in the fellowship鈥攏ot just accepting the title鈥攃an be a life-changing experience. It opens the door to incredible opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful connections with others who are deeply passionate about civic engagement.

Being a Newman Fellow is a distinguished honor and should be taken seriously. Don鈥檛 let this opportunity for growth and networking pass you by鈥攊t鈥檚 something you don鈥檛 want to look back on with regret.

Let鈥檚 talk about student-parent support鈥攈ow鈥檚 that going? Do you have a sense of how many student parents are using the service right now? Is there still room for more folks to join in?

This semester, we have served over 50 parents and more than 100 children. However, we currently have many student parents on a waitlist due to limited room space. Our current room can only accommodate a maximum of eight children, which creates significant challenges for our service program鈥檚 infrastructure on campus. As a result, we are unable to serve every student parent or assist every family in need because of these limitations.

What are the hours like for student-parent support services? And are there any plans to expand鈥攎aybe even bring them to the Leominster campus?

Our hours are based on student-parent schedules, but we are typically open from 8:00 AM until at least 4:00 PM. While we would love to expand our services, doing so requires additional funding and resources, which we currently lack. Expanding to the Leominster campus is part of our plan, but we need to ensure we have a bigger room and ample resources on the Gardner campus first.

Do you have a favorite memory or moment from your time working on these student support initiatives? Something that made you smile, or maybe reminded you why you do the work you do.

Every single day I come to work, I鈥檓 reminded of why I do this鈥攊t鈥檚 for the children and their families. Not everyone has a 鈥渧illage鈥 to help them raise a family while earning a degree. As a student parent myself, I鈥檝e made it my mission to ensure these children and families have access to all the resources and support they need, both on and off campus. Many memories are etched into my mind, from children learning to walk and talk, to helping families apply for housing, to guiding parents on how to play and engage with their children through specific challenges.

However, the memory I hold most dearly is one I will never forget: giving a young boy the opportunity to watch his mom walk across the stage at graduation. It was just the two of them鈥攏o extended family or friends to support them. We became their village. When his mom鈥檚 name was called, and she walked across that stage, this seven-year-old was bursting with pride, cheering his mom on. She was incredibly grateful, and that moment was something that child will carry with him for the rest of his life.

Sara Leopaldi, Service Above Self 2025, Jim Vander Hooven
Sara Leopaldi, Service Above Self 2025 receives her award from President Vander Hooven at Commencement

What kind of impact do you hope programs like the Newman Fellowship or student-parent support have on the community here? Big or small鈥攚hat kind of changes would be a win in your eyes?

I hope the impact of the Newman Fellowship encourages more fellows to actively engage in shaping and improving our community, regardless of the challenges posed by the political climate. Regarding student-parent support, I hope these parents gain more recognition for their unique contributions. Data shows that student parents often have higher GPAs and retention rates compared to traditional students鈥攑rovided they have access to the right resources and support for success.

Programs like the child watch service are creating greater accessibility for an undervalued and often overlooked population, making a meaningful difference in their lives. One change that could significantly improve our service would be acquiring a larger room with the proper equipment to better care for these children and families on campus.

What鈥檚 next for you? Any upcoming projects or goals you鈥檙e excited about鈥攑ersonally or within the college?

“What鈥檚 next for me?” is a question I keep asking myself. While I don鈥檛 have a full answer yet, I do know that I will be transferring to Framingham State University to pursue my bachelor鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education through a community-based program and minoring in American Sign Language.

I will continue my work at 亚色影库 for now, but I鈥檓 uncertain where my journey will lead in the future. One thing I do know for sure is that I will continue working with children and families, supporting their well-being and success as they grow and thrive.

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Class of 2025 Graduate Profile: Katie Rains /blog/class-of-2025-graduate-profile-katie-rains/ Tue, 27 May 2025 19:31:15 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=113301 Katie Rains, a member of the Class of 2025, shared her educational journey with us as she was preparing to graduate in May. Born into a bustling household as the middle child of seven siblings, Katie initially found comfort in staying under the radar, navigating life quietly amidst the chaos. She admits to avoiding challenges, […]

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Katie Rains 2025 Graduate Profile
Katie Rains 2025 Graduate Profile

Katie Rains, a member of the Class of 2025, shared her educational journey with us as she was preparing to graduate in May.
Born into a bustling household as the middle child of seven siblings, Katie initially found comfort in staying under the radar, navigating life quietly amidst the chaos. She admits to avoiding challenges, whether it was mastering times tables or contemplating her future beyond marriage and motherhood, a path she felt predestined to follow.

However, Katie’s story took a decisive turn when she reluctantly found herself pushed into the advisor’s office at 亚色影库.
College, as she quickly discovered, was about stepping beyond comfort zones鈥攕ocially, academically, and mentally. Despite her aversion to social exposure and reluctance to seek help, Katie embraced the challenges presented to her, eventually joining the honors program on the recommendation of a mentor. This decision proved transformative, broadening her horizons and instilling in her a newfound passion for learning that she had never envisioned for herself.

鈥淏eing here at The Mount has opened a whole new chapter for me that I never thought would even be written,鈥 Katie states. 鈥淚 have found love and value in learning. I actually want to learn new things, which is something fifteen-year-old me would have found ridiculous.鈥

At 亚色影库, Katie found inspiration in her peers, as they each embarked on their own diverse educational journeys. 鈥淚 have had the pleasure of meeting people of all ages. Some of my favorite classmates have been older adults who have grown up, had kids, had a career, and decided there was more they wanted to learn or a completely different career they want to pursue in their later adulthood.鈥

Katie鈥檚 journey challenged her to redefine success on her own terms, discovering that true fulfillment lies in aligning personal growth with individual happiness. She encourages her fellow classmates to embrace the freedom of choice that lies ahead and emphasizing that life’s richness comes from pushing beyond comfort and embracing personal passions. Katie’s journey exemplifies resilience, growth, and the transformative power of education, inspiring others to carve their own paths towards happiness and success.

 

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Where are they now? Daniel Kidwell, 亚色影库 & Pathways Early College Class of 2023 /blog/where-are-they-now-daniel-kidwell-mwcc-pathways-early-college-class-of-2023/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:02:03 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=101990 Daniel Kidwell, of Orange MA, is heading into his second year at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst after being accepted into the prestigious Department of Astronomy and the Five College Astronomy Department. The Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) is a collaborative program of the astronomers at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, […]

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Daniel Kidwell, of Orange MA, is heading into his second year at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst after being accepted into the prestigious Department of Astronomy and the Five College Astronomy Department.

Sagittarius A* (Sag A*) Milky Way Galaxy
Image credit: X-ray: NASA/UMass/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA/STScI

The Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) is a collaborative program of the astronomers at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. By linking teaching and research programs, the FCAD offers students a rich and diverse environment for studying and doing astronomy.

Kidwell spent the summer doing research with Professor Daniel Wang, working on 3D-hydrodynamic simulations of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sag A*) located in the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

鈥淎s a result of my time doing research over the summer, I have been able to continue on under Professor Wang this fall,鈥 notes Kidwell. 鈥淚 was awarded a Massachusetts Space Grant for it as well.鈥

During his time at 亚色影库 as a Pathways Early College student, Kidwell was a Commonwealth Honors student and member of the Astronomy Club. He graduated in 203 with the highest honors with both his Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and his high school diploma.

“It was a pleasure having Dan in my Calculus class and working with the Astronomy club,鈥 Professor Jeffery Thompson said. 鈥淒an brought an intellectual curiosity into all his academic endeavors. This curiosity will suit them well in their studies. They pushed themselves and their peers with a cheerful wonder at what lie on the other side of a problem, telescope lens, or trebuchet.”

亚色影库鈥檚 Pathways Early College Experience offers motivated students interested in getting a head start on college the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree while completing their junior and senior years in high school taking courses at 亚色影库.

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Graduate Profile: Nicole Flerra /blog/graduate-profile-nicole-flerra/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:50:43 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=101312 At thirty-three, Nicole Flerra faced a crossroads. A single mother, two-time college dropout, domestic abuse survivor, and recovered addict, she was no stranger to adversity. 鈥淢y decision to return to Mount Wachusett Community College after almost ten years was one of the best choices I have ever made,鈥 Flerra says. 鈥溠巧翱 has been my second […]

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Nicole Flerra Class of 2024At thirty-three, Nicole Flerra faced a crossroads. A single mother, two-time college dropout, domestic abuse survivor, and recovered addict, she was no stranger to adversity.

鈥淢y decision to return to Mount Wachusett Community College after almost ten years was one of the best choices I have ever made,鈥 Flerra says. 鈥溠巧翱 has been my second chance at creating a purposeful life, it was a crucial part of my path to redemption, and it鈥檚 been an essential tool to fulfilling my dreams.鈥

Returning to 亚色影库 nearly a decade after her last attempt at higher education, Flerra initially doubted her prospects. Her previous attempts had ended in failure, and she feared her past might overshadow her future. “I never thought I鈥檇 be given a second chance,” she reflects. Yet, 亚色影库’s acceptance marked the beginning of a new chapter, one of redemption and purposeful living.

In her darkest time, after the death of her child鈥檚 father, she turned to faith, seeking solace and strength. “Through miracles that only God could perform, I began to transform into a new person,” she recalls. Embracing this newfound strength, Flerra resolved to chase her long-forgotten dreams and create a life full of purpose, one where she could help others, a life she could be proud of.

The college environment, imbued with support and understanding, allowed her to flourish. “The staff accepted me without judgment, knowing my past failures and still gave me the chance to prove myself,” she says. With determination and hard work, Flerra not only maintained good grades, but excelled, making the Dean鈥檚 List, winning awards, and securing scholarships, all while balancing the demands of motherhood and full-time employment.

The journey was not without its setbacks. She was accepted into the competitive nursing program. Still, during her first semester, she broke her leg, a challenge she was helped through with support from her advisors, professors, classmates, friends, and family.

Six short weeks after her first challenge, tragedy struck again with the loss of her brother to addiction. This spurred Flerra to add substance abuse counseling to her studies. “My brother鈥檚 passing ignited a new fire within,” she says.

A year later she found herself at another critical juncture. Her passion for the nursing program was not what it once was, and she lost her place in the program. “I gave all I had to give that semester but, in the end, it was not enough,” she admits. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she pivoted, switching her focus to Human Services with the support of her 亚色影库 advisor. This move proved pivotal, aligning her studies with her passion and strengths.

Flerra earned her Associate of Science in Human Services with the class of 2024, and her Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2023. She is working as a recovery counselor at a local treatment center, and will continue her studies at Liberty University, where she is pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Christian counseling with a focus on addiction.

Flerra’s story is one of profound transformation, underscored by the unwavering support of 亚色影库. “Mount Wachusett Community College built a strong foundation for me,” she asserts, grateful for the institution that gave her the opportunity to redefine her future. Her journey exemplifies how a single step, supported by a community that believes in second chances, can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

 

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Graduate Profile: Gwen Budzinski /blog/graduate-profile-gwen-budzinski/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:24:10 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=100996 Gardner resident Gwen Budzinski is a beacon of resilience, determination, and a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance. Like many of our graduates, Gwen’s journey involved balancing the roles of a devoted mother, a loving wife, a supportive sister, and a diligent employee. Gwen began her pursuit of an associate degree in […]

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Gwen Budzinski, Grad ProfileGardner resident Gwen Budzinski is a beacon of resilience, determination, and a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance. Like many of our graduates, Gwen’s journey involved balancing the roles of a devoted mother, a loving wife, a supportive sister, and a diligent employee.

Gwen began her pursuit of an associate degree in 2014, and like many of her peers, she encountered obstacles that threatened to derail her aspirations. Yet, in the face of adversity, she discovered an inner resilience that propelled her forward.

Mount Wachusett Community College became more than just an educational institution for Gwen; it became a sanctuary of support and empowerment. Here, dedicated professors nurtured her intellectual curiosity, challenging her to exceed her perceived limitations. The staff provided invaluable guidance and mentorship, reaffirming Gwen’s belief in her own potential.

Throughout her time at 亚色影库, Gwen learned invaluable lessons in resilience and self-belief. She discovered that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, and that failure is not a sign of weakness but a steppingstone to success. Armed with newfound confidence and determination, Gwen stands on the precipice of a new chapter in her life, ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

Gwen earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences and is a stellar member of the 亚色影库 Academic Affairs Division team.

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Graduate Profile: Paula Morgan /blog/graduate-profile-paula-morgan/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:32:28 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=100835 At 61, Paula Morgan, of Holbrook, MA, earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Degree, demonstrating for her family and friends the power of perseverance and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. She began her higher education journey 42 years prior, however, life had other plans. She married a […]

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Paula MorganAt 61, Paula Morgan, of Holbrook, MA, earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Degree, demonstrating for her family and friends the power of perseverance and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

She began her higher education journey 42 years prior, however, life had other plans. She married a wonderful man, with whom she shared 38 years of love and partnership, and together they raised two amazing daughters. For the last 18 years, she dedicated herself to a career as a paraprofessional at a local middle-high school, a role that she loved.

Despite the fulfillment she found in her personal and professional life, she never forgot the promise she made to herself: to return to college. Decades later, with the unwavering support of her family and friends, she joined the community at Mount Wachusett Community College. The institution not only provided her with academic knowledge but also gently nudged her out of her comfort zone, guiding and assisting her along the way.

鈥淢ount Wachusett Community College pushed me out of my comfort zone or, should I say, gently nudged me with their guidance and assistance in completing my first degree at the age of 61,鈥 Morgan says. 鈥淚 am not your typical undergraduate. I am not the typical age, not the typical student, and I certainly did not take the typical amount of time to complete this degree.鈥

鈥淥n this journey, with 亚色影库鈥檚 support,鈥 she continued, 鈥淚 have also learned it doesn鈥檛 matter how old you are, how many classes you take or how long it might take to complete your degree, your timeline is exactly that; your timeline, your comfort zone is your comfort zone.鈥

Throughout her time at 亚色影库, she embraced the challenge of stepping beyond her comfort zone. She learned that true growth and discovery lie in testing one’s abilities and determination.

Her story is a testament to the belief that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. She demonstrated that age is just a number, and the timeline to achieve one’s goals is unique to everyone. Her journey was a dance through life’s challenges, always pushing boundaries and stepping beyond the familiar.

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Making the Journey Together: A Mother and Son’s Shared Academic Milestone /blog/making-the-journey-together-a-mother-and-sons-shared-academic-milestone/ Thu, 23 May 2024 15:15:32 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=100628 In an inspiring twist of fate, a mother and son duo found themselves graduating together, marking the culmination of their distinct but parallel academic journeys. Their story is one of perseverance, mutual support, and the deepening of an already close bond. The decision for Anne and Nathan Nash to pursue their degrees simultaneously was unplanned. […]

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Anne and Nathan Nash
Anne and Nathan Nash

In an inspiring twist of fate, a mother and son duo found themselves graduating together, marking the culmination of their distinct but parallel academic journeys. Their story is one of perseverance, mutual support, and the deepening of an already close bond.

The decision for Anne and Nathan Nash to pursue their degrees simultaneously was unplanned. Mother Anne, whose degree is in interdisciplinary studies-allied health, had been working towards her goal for ten years. Meanwhile, her son Nathan made the decision two years ago to embark on his own academic journey, aiming for, and earning, an associate degree in business administration to help advance his career. Their paths converged, leading them to graduate at the same time鈥攁 coincidence that has brought them immense joy.

Throughout their academic pursuits, they leaned on each other for support. During challenging times, when one struggled, the other provided reassurance and encouragement. This mutual support system was crucial in helping them navigate the difficulties of being unconventional students, as both had resumed their studies long after high school鈥攅specially Anne, who is retired and returned to school to better herself.

Being non-traditional students posed difficulties, but having each other as both family and fellow students proved to be a significant advantage. They offered each other a level of understanding and support that many other students might not have, strengthening their resolve and commitment to their academic goals.

鈥淲e are extremely proud and happy to reach this milestone together,鈥 Anne says. 鈥淚t is a very special time for both of us and this experience has strengthened an already wonderful mother/son relationship.鈥

This shared experience has not only brought them closer but has also solidified their already tight-knit family bond. The mother and son duo feel that graduating together has been an extraordinary experience, making them even more excited about this milestone.

When asked what advice they would give to other parent/child students, Anne says, 鈥淟isten to each other, and be there for each other, even if it’s only to let each other vent when the going gets tough.鈥

鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have someone who knows what you are going through and cheering you on to the finish line,鈥 Nathan added.

For them, the ultimate memorable moment will be the graduation ceremony itself. They eagerly anticipate walking across the stage together, a poignant symbol of their shared journey.

To celebrate their achievement, they plan to have a special family dinner, recognizing the support they have received from their extended family throughout this exciting period in their lives. Due to COVID, many graduation ceremonies were missed, so this will be a very special time to share with family and friends.

 

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Class of 2024 Graduate Profile: Crys Secino /blog/class-of-2024-graduate-profile-crys-secino/ Wed, 22 May 2024 17:08:17 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=100613 At Mount Wachusett Community College there are many students whose stories of resilience, transformation, and unwavering determination resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side. Fitchburg resident Crys Secino is one of these students, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for all. Secino鈥檚 journey […]

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Crys Secino and Daughter Class of 24 profileAt Mount Wachusett Community College there are many students whose stories of resilience, transformation, and unwavering determination resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side. Fitchburg resident Crys Secino is one of these students, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for all.

Secino鈥檚 journey began long before she set foot on the 亚色影库 campus. It began with dreams deferred and aspirations put on hold. Life had thrown her curveballs, from illness to addiction, from heartbreak to the daunting task of rebuilding her life from scratch. Yet, through it all, she never lost sight of the flicker of hope that burned deep within her soul.

She started her college journey at Fitchburg State in 2004 but decided in 2005 to put her education on hold to work and raise her daughter. She went on to have a successful career working with individuals with developmental disabilities and enjoyed her work.

Then disaster struck. In 2015 she became ill with a mystery disease that left her on life support in a coma. Doctors told the family there was nothing they could do, but luckily her grandmother refused to allow them to take her off life support. Eventually, her body started to gain strength and she slowly recovered.

When she woke, she had lost many of the basic functions we take for granted. She had to relearn how to walk, talk, and even feed herself. She was in constant pain and doctors still had no answers. Her life was changing dramatically, she had lost hope and turned to alcohol to numb the pain. Her illness strained her marriage and she divorced, ready to raise her daughter on her own.

The brain injury, multiple prescriptions, and alcohol combined to leave her feeling that she no longer knew who she was. Five years after she first became ill, she committed to detox, a difficult process and complicated process, but she forged on and has been sober and medication-free since 2021.

With her new clearer perspective, Secino found that she wanted more from life, to build a career in holistic medicine, but was unsure of the path. She decided to re-embark on her educational journey despite apprehension and nervousness about her brain鈥檚 ability to meet the demands of college-level courses. Despite her fear, she decided to enroll at Mount Wachusett Community College.

At 亚色影库 she found a community of mentors and allies who saw her potential, even when she could not see it herself. Through the Trio Visions program, she received services she did not know she needed. The Visions advisors helped her identify learning challenges that she had, and how to compensate for them. They supported her with planning, organization, and time management, facilitating her ability to complete coursework while still working full-time and raising her daughter.

But her journey was not just about academic achievement, it was about self-discovery and acceptance. At the Mount, she found the courage to embrace her true self, unapologetically and without reservation. She learned that true strength lies not in perfection and success but in vulnerability and resilience.

She is now conveying the wisdom and skills she gained at 亚色影库 to her daughter, passing on to her a love of learning and supporting her to be more confident in her own education goals for high school and college.

鈥溠巧翱 has truly changed my life, it set the pace for my future, allowed me to gain confidence, let my authentic self blossom, and continues to give me the courage to admit my struggles,鈥 stated Secino. 鈥淚 am taking the struggles and all I have learned, and turning it into positivity. I now understand that my destined path is to provide hope and healing for others.鈥

Secino graduates with the 亚色影库 Class of 2024 with her Associate Degree in Independent Studies 鈥 Allied Health concentration.

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Meet Mercy Aryee /blog/meet-mercy-aryee/ Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:24:48 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=99028 Meet Mercy Aryee, a twenty-nine-year-old computer science major at Mount Wachusett Community College. She began her journey at 亚色影库 in January of 2022 and has since excelled towards her educational goals. She has undergone leadership training as part of the SUCCESS Scholar Mentorship Program and now works to help other students become successful. 鈥淚 went […]

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Meet Mercy Aryee, a twenty-nine-year-old computer science major at Mount Wachusett Community College. She began her journey at 亚色影库 in January of 2022 and has since excelled towards her educational goals. She has undergone leadership training as part of the SUCCESS Scholar Mentorship Program and now works to help other students become successful.

鈥淚 went through two training sessions with the SUCCESS Program and then I applied to be a mentor because I have the passion and the motivation to help people. Throughout all the struggles and experiences I have had at 亚色影库, I feel like I can help and relate to other students鈥, says Aryee.

Mercy currently mentors two students and is looking forward to the opportunity to increase her number of mentee鈥檚 next semester.

鈥淚t can be challenging being a student mentor because you鈥檙e working on your own classwork as well as helping other students,鈥 Mercy expresses the importance of having good time management skills. She adds that being a mentor 鈥渋nvolves a lot of time because you have to structure and schedule your time and fit mentoring into it. If you are not on top of your game, you can鈥檛 help other students. It鈥檚 a lot of balance.鈥

While focusing on her own coursework, Mercy likes to structure her study time by setting alarms on her phone to break up her studying into increments. She also likes to sprinkle-in motivation for herself, for example allowing herself limited time on social media between assignments or enjoying her favorite snack. She recommends that others try 鈥渁ttaching conditions to your learning鈥 to help keep you motivated while completing assignments.

Mercy understands the importance of voicing her needs when she struggles and encourages other students to do the same. 鈥淛ust ask questions, don鈥檛 feel like the questions you ask are stupid or irrelevant, if it pops in your mind and you feel like it鈥檚 become an issue, just voice it out. Try not to keep things to yourself, there鈥檚 so many resources around, there鈥檚 so many different people that you can talk to, just voice it out鈥 says Aryee.

One of her favorite aspects of attending 亚色影库 is the availability of resources and the willingness of faculty and staff to help students. 鈥淢y favorite part is that you are able to have many resources at your fingertips, you can just send an email, or walk to any of the offices and everyone is willing to help鈥, says Mercy.

Mercy will be graduating with her Associate Degree in Computer Science next semester and plans to transfer to Fitchburg State University to work towards her bachelor鈥檚 degree. In the next five years, she would like to complete her bachelor鈥檚 and work in the information technology field at a top company. She strongly encourages students who are struggling to 鈥淎sk more questions. I was trying to struggle to do things on my own and then I realized that there are solutions everywhere鈥, says Mercy.

 

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