When deciding to continue her education, Dania Farah, of Weymouth, wanted to gain hands-on experience and develop skills to help her advance on a personal and professional level. At Middlesex Community College, she was able to pursue her passion for business both in the classroom and while learning real-world knowledge working at the college. The community of support she found at Middlesex helped her be successful.
“Returning to college after years of being a stay-at-home mom was scary in a new country where English is not my first language,” Farah said. “However, the warm and inclusive community at MCC not only helped me find my place but also played a significant role in my personal growth. The support I received from my peers, professors and staff was unparalleled, and it made a profound difference in my academic journey.”
Interested in understanding how business and finance operates in the United States, Farah wanted to learn about topics such as business law, taxation and real estate. Her goal is to apply this knowledge to her real life, from buying a home to achieving financial independence. Thanks to a taxation course, Farah was proud to complete her taxes on her own.
MCC’s small class sizes helped her gain a better understanding of concepts due to the connections she built with her classmates and professors. From her peers, Farah found a close-knit group of friends who offered encouragement. Faculty were always available to answer her questions, provide guidance, and offer individualized attention.
“What I love about MCC is that they all work together to support the students and provide all the necessary resources for their success,” Farah said. “The faculty and staff at Middlesex provided academic guidance and a nurturing environment that helped me grow personally and professionally. I have had the best experience with every department at MCC, and I couldn't have made it without their support.”
Farah also worked as a tutor in MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). In her role, she formed connections across the college, including in ACE, financial aid, the wellness resource center, human resources, and the library. Finding this sense of community showed her there are people who care about her success.
As a tutor, she was also able to apply the communication and interpersonal skills she learned in her classes to a job. Helping her peers learn study skills and understand topics they were covering in class, she also provided them access to resources to navigate college. This made her feel more prepared to enter the workforce.
“During my tutoring at the ACE Center, I gained experience that earned me a certificate,” she said. “This experience has also benefited my personal life – particularly with my three girls – as I learned how to listen and explain myself clearly.”
Graduating from Middlesex in May 2025, Farah finished her associate degree in business administration with highest honors. At MCC’s 2025 Evening of Excellence, she received the Business Administration Transfer Award, which was a “significant milestone in my academic journey.”
With a goal of one day owning a real estate company or working in banking, Farah will transfer to UMass Boston to pursue management finance. She believes the support she received from faculty, staff and classmates at MCC will inspire her to keep going and stay committed to achieving her goals.
“My experience at MCC has been truly exceptional, thanks to its unique blend of a supportive community, dedicated faculty, and diverse opportunities that foster personal growth and academic success,” she said. “The small class sizes, the supportive faculty, and the hands-on experiences are some of the unique aspects that have made my journey at MCC so rewarding.”