As a Lowell High School (LHS) student, Nila Rivera got a head start at the college experience. Learning about the program from their sister, Rivera started taking college-level classes through Middlesex Community College’s Early College Program while still in high school. Continuing at Middlesex after graduating from LHS, Rivera is loving their experience.
“Not only are you able to take classes for free, but there is also financial aid available to use for required textbooks and class materials,” Rivera said. “The Early College Program also provides its own little community that you can rely on. A lot of people had graduated with me from our high school. When we had an issue with anything, I found we could lean on each other and help one another.”
As an Early College student, Rivera started earning transferable college credit and receiving advice and mentoring from MCC support professionals who guided them through the entirety of their experience. One of the benefits of the program for Rivera was learning early on how college classes differ from high school, including meeting less frequently, having smaller class sizes, and holding themselves accountable for their education.
From their experiences, Rivera believes it is important to build connections with classmates and professors. As a liberal arts and sciences student, they have also found value in the college’s flexibility and variety of classes to help prepare them to transfer to their four-year school.
The classes Rivera has been able to take at MCC have also set them up to explore their options and enter the field of education. Courses so far include general biology, introduction to psychology, public speaking, film studies, elements of mathematics, exceptional learners, field placement, children’s literature and English composition.
“There are multiple different paths to take in education – from working within the classroom to working in administration and policy making,” Rivera said. “I've been told that there will always have a need for educators and teachers, so I won't have to worry too much about finding a job after completing my degree.”
Rivera also takes advantage of MCC’s on-campus activities and support services. Interested in hearing from guest speakers and educational seminars, they choose events that offer valuable life and study skills. Hosted by the Asian American Center or the Wellness Resource Center, Rivera also enjoys attending workshops on mental health and speaks to supportive staff members who offer patience and understanding during challenging times.
“It’s very rare to find a space where a person can feel safe walking into any space and find what they need,” Rivera said. “While things in life can get very chaotic, MCC is often a rock within the rushing river. I can turn to people at MCC for help and they will be there to meet me where I am at. I feel supported by community and safe to be vulnerable when I don’t feel knowledgeable.”
After graduating from MCC, Rivera plans to transfer to Salem State University. In the future, they want to become a middle school science teacher and earn a master’s degree in education. Middlesex is helping them find the best path to getting a job in the field.
“MCC strengthens my relationship with my community and creates a space to help me feel more confident and sure of myself,” Rivera said. “MCC was an easy option for me and relieved the stress of deciding a college for me when I was in high school.”