Abbygail Rivera, of Lowell, has been named to the Middlesex Community College Board of Trustees for the 2025-2026 academic year as Student Trustee. In her role, the early childhood education student looks forward to taking on the responsibility of representing the needs and perspectives of her classmates, as well as individuals in her field.
“It feels incredibly rewarding to be named Student Trustee,” Rivera said. “I’m passionate about ensuring high-quality education for all children, starting from their earliest years. I believe that decisions made at the college level can have a profound impact on the preparation of future early childhood educators, and consequently, on the lives of young children and their families. I wanted to be a voice for this crucial field.”
As Student Trustee, Rivera is focused on advocating for resources, support services and opportunities that will help MCC students be successful. She also hopes to inspire her classmates to engage in networking and learning experiences that will lead to more collaboration and growth.
Rivera learned to understand the value of hands-on experiences through MCC’s early childhood education program. As part of the program, she was placed in a local preschool as a substitute teacher. Gaining this firsthand experience allowed her to hone her knowledge and skills in child development, classroom management, and building relationships with young children and their families.
“MCC has established partnerships with local preschools, childcare centers, and other early childhood organizations, providing valuable opportunities for networking and future employment,” Rivera said. “[These experiences] allow you to apply the theories and strategies you learn in the classroom in real-world settings. The experiences also help you develop essential practical skills, build confidence, and make connections in the field.”
Whether working at her practical sight, attending an event, or engaging in an informal conversation, Rivera emphasizes the importance of building connections with others. She believes learning different points of view offers motivation while helping to shape one’s career path and personal development. As trustee, she wants to strengthen connections between the college and the community.
Middlesex also provides Rivera with a community of support both in and outside of the classroom. She appreciates professors who share their knowledge and prove their dedication to their students’ success. In the TRIO Student Success Program and SUCCESS Scholars Program, Rivera finds encouragement from both staff and classmates to guide her as she works toward her personal and academic goals.
Coming to MCC based on the recommendation of past students, Rivera’s interest in early childhood education stems from her mother working in the field. Her time at the college showed her she is on the right path.
“Experiences volunteering in preschool settings and witnessing the incredible growth and learning that happens during this time solidified my commitment to this field,” Rivera said. “Providing a strong foundation in early childhood is essential for a thriving society.”
After graduating from Middlesex, Rivera plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue studying early childhood education. She hopes to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for her students as a lead teacher, and one day pursue a specialization in the field, such as speech pathology. MCC, she believes, is providing a “strong and practical foundation” to help her reach her goals.
“The program has equipped me with a deep understanding of child development theories, effective teaching strategies, and the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment,” she said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to represent the early childhood education program and the student body as a whole as Student Trustee.”