Graduate Credits Middlesex CC for Helping Her Achieve Her Dreams

A wife and mother living in Billerica – and out of school for over 20 years – Cassandra Harmon was nervous about whether she would be able to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a teacher. Now as she graduates from Middlesex Community College in May 2021, she will receive an academic award for Outstanding Achievement in the Associate in Science Early Childhood Education (ECE) and be well on her way to her dream career.

“All the hard work and late nights of waiting for everyone in my family to go to bed so that I can focus on my studies has been recognized,” Harmon said. “I had no idea that there would be an award aside from the diploma waiting for me at the finish line.”

While Harmon came to Middlesex for her own benefit, she knew she had an opportunity to show her son, nieces and nephews “what can happen if you stay focused and determined.” In addition to earning her degree, she has been able to learn a lot about herself and her capabilities.

“My time here at Middlesex has been amazing,” she said. “As I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and learned about things I would not have volunteered on my own, I am so glad for those experiences as it made me grow as a person.”

Harmon first learned about MCC’s value while watching her husband graduate from the college a few years before her. She felt inspired listening to the student speakers’ shared stories that day – including a first generation student who graduated with highest honors and was transferring to Boston University and a Dual Enrollment student graduating with a diploma and associate degree hoping to become a pediatric cardiologist.

“These people started off with only their hopes and dreams, and through their hard work and determination are well on their way,” she said. “That is who I wanted to be learning beside.”

When she started at Middlesex, Harmon was hoping to earn a certificate. Through the ECE Careers Pathway Grant offered through the Education department, she was able to take free classes and earn credit toward her degree. As she was studying through the pandemic – with her son attending MCC as well – this helped make her education more affordable and accessible. She was also able to focus more on her studies without any additional stressors.

Preparing to attend Lesley University to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Fall of 2021, all of Harmon’s credits will go transfer to her new institution, saving her even more money on tuition.

Harmon’s professors in the Education department helped her adjust to returning to school as well, being supportive and answering her questions. Professor Dr. Nancy Higgins in particular helped her understand that she was not alone and could succeed back in the classroom – with students she thought would be closer to her son’s age. Even now, Harmon continues to remember the support and feedback Dr. Higgins provided, using her words as a mantra as Harmon writes a paper or lesson plan.

“When I first made the decision to go back to school, I questioned myself quite a bit, but then Dr. Higgins made it like a weekly affirmation to remind me of what I am capable of,” Harmon said. “This truly has been a life changing experience and I am so grateful for every opportunity it has granted me.”

Harmon’s experience at Middlesex also included practical, real-world experiences to go along with the theories and lessons she was learning, including Service-Learning opportunities at Great Expectations in Billerica and the Boys and Girls Club. Her student teaching was completed at Project Support – an early intervention preschool in Billerica. During this experience, she worked with a co-teacher and a team of paraprofessionals to teach a classroom of 3 to 5-year-olds – all of whom had different needs. It was an eye-opening and wonderful opportunity for Harmon.

“Every morning [the students] came to school happy to be there, greeting their friends and continuously showing support for one another,” she said. “I was in awe of their resilience amid a pandemic. These children with their obstacles – even with their emotional setbacks – never allowed those moments to determine their days. I only hope they learned as much from me as I have from them.”

She also had the opportunity to attend a three-part Teacher Talk Seminar with elementary school teachers talking about their experience teaching math. Listening to other professionals speak was not only informative, it also increased her motivation to one day be a teacher herself.

“I could not help but think how maybe someday – if they continue doing this seminar – that I would be one of the guest speakers sharing what methods I find helpful,” she said. “I see that connection with MCC remaining.”

It was important for Harmon – even throughout the pandemic – to be an active participant of Middlesex community events. She enjoys all of the programs and support services that MCC offers, including attending many online events. She is also a member of the Asian Students in Alliance club, ECE club, and part of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), MCC’s honors society.

While taking classes, Harmon worked as a nanny and ran her photography businesses. Although she never expected to have succeeded as much as she has – including being inducted into PTK with a 3.7 GPA – she is proud of the work she has put in and excited for her future.

“I will be my Filipino mother’s first child to receive a college degree and I will be receiving another associate degree and a bachelor’s all within three years,” she said. “This is only possible because of the tremendous amount of support I received from everyone in the Education department at MCC.”

MCC’s Education program helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules Visit. https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_edu.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a degree in Education at Middlesex.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters at Middlesex.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!