Though she started at a four-year college for one semester, Maria Redmond aimed to find a more flexible and affordable option to meet her needs. Wanting to get into the workforce as soon as possible, she applied to Middlesex Community College’s nursing program where the combination of hands-on experiences and comprehensive curriculum is preparing her to enter the field.
“My educational experience here at MCC has included a wealth of knowledge from experienced professors and clinical staff,” Redmond said. “The support, feedback and guidance have provided me with a strong base to expand upon as I pursue my career, and I hope others have that same experience as well.”
Always interested in healthcare, Redmond was still deciding which field to pursue before attending college. Her two older sisters are nurses and recommended she start working in an assistive personnel position to see if the role was the right fit. Two weeks into the job, she confirmed she wanted to be a nurse.
At Middlesex, Redmond found small class sizes that helped her connect with her peers and professors. In her peers, she has found a supportive group with whom she can share ideas and strategies. From professors, Redmond appreciates their focus on student success and a well-rounded learning experience. She also takes advantage of accessible office hours to ask questions, build stronger study habits, and work toward her goals.
“Professors make it a mission to prioritize the student experience and are always available for additional support,” Redmond said. “Our class has become very close, and the support from one another is invaluable. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing group of people.”
Redmond is also benefitting from learning in MCC’s recently renovated H.E.A.L.T.H. building in Lowell. Featuring a simulation and skills lab, Redmond and her classmates can work through real-life scenarios hands-on in a simulated, positive and safe environment.
As the student representative to MCC’s nursing department, Redmond attended faculty meetings to provide student feedback. In her role, she learned about the collaboration that goes into organizing and implementing MCC’s program. This experience also taught her more about the profession, working as part of a team, and honing critical thinking skills.
For her successful completion of the pharmacology course, Redmond was asked to be a Supplemental Instructor (SI) Leader for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). Offering support to students, she covers content and vocabulary, goes through answers on practice problems, and asks questions to help guide students to make connections between the textbook and real-life scenarios.
“The experience has been wonderful,” Redmond said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to interact with a different class and perhaps pass on some helpful tips for a challenging part of the program.”
Looking ahead, Redmond is excited by the possibilities the nursing field offers. After graduating, her goal is to start her career in the Emergency Room, but she is also interested in working in critical care. Hoping to continue her education to earn a bachelor’s degree, she believes MCC is providing a foundation of support to be successful.
“Nursing school is not easy, but having such supportive professors and peers creates a positive learning environment,” she said. “Working with supportive peers, professors, and adjunct staff makes both experiences less daunting and creates a positive learning environment.”