After 16 years of working around the world as a Corpsman for the Navy, Kati Manuel, of Westford, was ready to come home to Massachusetts. Now a reservist, she is studying health care administration at Middlesex Community College. Using her veteran benefits, she is excited to return to school and shape her future.
“My ability to receive veteran benefits was the deciding factor to go back to college,” Manuel said. “I was scared to be a full-time student, a full-time mom, and work a part-time job to try and make ends meet. With these education benefits, I am able to balance a healthy work/life/school balance. My time here so far at MCC has been new and exciting.”
Through MCC’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC), Manuel has access to academic, career and personal advising; resources for mental health services; and special events. Helping to ease her transition back to school, the VRC has made it easier to connect with classmates and have a place to study and hang out on campus.
MCC’s VRC has also helped Manuel build connections throughout the college. As a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), she supports her peers in succeeding in their classes. Manuel also attends a wide range of events throughout the year, including job fairs, guest speakers, concerts, poetry readings, and MCC fall and spring festivals.
“I find it important to my mental health to be active,” Manuel said. “Being active physically is one thing, but being able to interact with others and feel like a part of a community is an entirely different kind of self-care. I honestly love being here at MCC. Between being a student, working at ACE, helping veterans in the VRC, and creating friendships on campus, I feel accomplished and wouldn’t have it any other way.”
In the classroom, Manuel has found support from professors. Crediting Professor Amanda Todisco in particular, Manuel appreciates attending classes that foster both a fun and positive learning environment. This helps Manuel better understand and appreciate the material.
Working in the medical field during and after her time on active duty, Manuel’s roles include experience in emergency and family medicine, general surgery, and other specialties. In MCC’s health care administration program, she is building on her knowledge and skills to advance in her career to a leadership position.
“I have always been proud of the work I have done, the knowledge I have passed on, and the patients I have met along the way,” Manuel said. “After many years of being hands on and ‘in the dirt,’ it is time to step back and do what I do best – lead others to success.”
Manuel chose to come to Middlesex because of her family member’s past positive experience. At the college, she enjoys the flexibility of on-campus classes in both Bedford and Lowell, as well as online. While taking advantage of gaining new knowledge and opportunities, she has also benefitted from being credited for her time in service through the Credit for Prior Learning program.
Looking ahead, Manuel plans to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. Her goal is to complete her Master of Health Administration (MHA) and work in the industry. MCC is offering her a strong start to pursue her dreams.
“This is a crucial stepping stone on my path to higher learning,” she said. “The skills I learn and the experience I gain here at MCC gives me the framework to continue to move forward.”