As a student at Middlesex Community College, Rina Tenore was a first-generation adult learner starting her life in a new country. Shy and lacking confidence, she found a community of support from professors who guided her on the path to success. Now the Coordinator of Transfer on MCC’s Lowell Campus, Tenore strives to build strong and meaningful connections with students to help them navigate their own academic journeys.
“Being a student at MCC made a significant difference,” Tenore said. “Despite the personal struggles I faced as a new immigrant – and the heartbreaking loss of my mother during my first semester – I might not have continued if it weren’t for the professors who connected with me and supported me emotionally during that difficult time. They were responsive, inclusive, and truly understood my situation at the time. Their encouragement gave me the strength to keep going.”
Tenore has been an MCC employee for 10 years, including as the Lead TRIO Advisor for the Student Success Program. The proudest moment of her time at Middlesex so far has been watching her students graduate on TRIO Celebration Night. Having been a part of their college experience since the recruitment process, she enjoyed witnessing their achievement as they prepared to take their next steps.
Understanding the importance of having a staff or faculty mentor, Tenore now assists students in reaching their academic goals, exploring career opportunities, and completing their education. In her new role, she is also building partnerships with four-year colleges and universities. By enhancing the articulation process, she is providing students with more options and benefits for when they are ready to transfer from MCC.
“My role aligns closely with the college’s mission, particularly the commitment to strengthening pathways that support student retention,” Tenore said. “Additionally, my work helps demonstrate to the broader community that MCC serves as a bridge to higher education for students from all backgrounds – offering accessible, affordable options to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university.”
As a student at Middlesex, Tenore studied Liberal Arts and Sciences. With a background in hospitality, she wanted to explore the different options available to her. An Introduction to Psychology course sparked her interest in working with and helping people. After graduating from MCC, she transferred to Merrimack College to major in psychology and minor in sociology.
Upon graduating with her bachelor’s, Tenore began working at Middlesex as a part-time evening academic advisor. Finding her passion for the field, she was encouraged to earn a master’s degree in higher education.
“Fourteen years later I have completed my education and now I am in my dream job,” Tenore said. “I would not be where I am today if I didn’t stay on track with my education and career pathway, plus hadn't started at MCC.”
In her new role with the Advising and Transfer team, Tenore feels proud to serve a broader community of students. While helping them plan for the future, she emphasizes the importance of participating in events held on-campus throughout the year. This includes two Transfer Fairs this Fall for students to meet with and learn about the various four-year colleges and universities in the area.
“This position will bring many opportunities, exciting challenges, and valuable experiences as I continue to learn and grow at MCC,” she said. “But most importantly, I will continue my passion working with all MCC students!”