After starting at a four-year institution, Eva Schroeder, of Wakefield, wanted a new environment to begin her college journey. Drawn to the smaller class sizes and flexible options, she transferred to Middlesex Community College. Finding a community of support and a variety of resources and activities, she also realized her dream of pursuing a career in elementary education.
“I chose to come to MCC because I realized very quickly that I was not ready for a full four-year university,” Schroeder said. “I tried it, and it wasn’t for me just yet. Attending community college and MCC is so helpful because it gives you a stepping-stone to transition from high school to a four-year [college].”
Always having enjoyed babysitting and working with children, Schroeder decided she would be happy teaching. In MCC’s program, she is learning from knowledgeable professors who share their direct, hands-on experience from their time working in all levels of classrooms – from kindergarten to college. She also benefits from spending time with kind and like-minded people in her peers.
The combination of her classes and working opportunities are helping her learn more about child development. To add to her previous experiences, Schroeder started working shifts as a substitute teacher assistant in a special needs classroom. Calling the opportunity “amazing,” she believes being in the classroom early on is the best way to progress in the education field.
“Spending time with the age range that I want to teach is important because their behavior obviously will differ from people my age,” Schroeder said. “To be able to learn their behaviors and what works for them – and almost learn in a way how they operate – is useful.”
In addition to her elementary education program, Schroeder is an Orientation Leader for MCC’s Office of Student Engagement. Helping new students navigate college life at their new school, Schroeder is one of the first people they meet when they come to Middlesex. During students’ First Year Experience, Orientation Leaders attend a class, answer questions, and share their personal experiences at MCC so far.
Schroeder is also a peer mentor with the RISE Scholars program, offering support for high school students ages 18 to 21 with intellectual disabilities who are taking classes at Middlesex. As a mentor, she assists RISE students in feeling comfortable around campus and meeting classmates. She attends events with students, encouraging them to be sociable and try new things.
“[Being active on campus] will help you to build a sense of community,” Schroeder said. “You’ll meet so many more people and form amazing bonds if you put yourself out there on campus!”
Having built a foundation of knowledge, skills and comfort at Middlesex, Schroeder is ready to take the next steps in her academic journey. Once she graduates, she hopes to transfer to Salem State University to earn a bachelor’s and then master’s degree in education. Through opportunities and activities in and outside of the classroom, Schroeder believes MCC is setting her up for success.
“My experience has been nothing but positive – from the campus to the staff and professors, to the other students,” she said. “MCC is really a place for growth. Everyone comes from such different and diverse backgrounds that it’s nice to be able to help each other grow.”