Middlesex Community College: MCC Helps Graduate Explore Future Academic And Career Paths

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

6/8/2021

At Middlesex Community College, Pin Rithy learned more about herself. After better understanding her own interests, she changed her major from Nursing to Liberal Arts and Sciences. All of her courses and experiences provided Rithy with valuable learning experiences to help her on both her academic and professional path.

“Not only did MCC cut down my commute time, but they also offered a variety of options that best suited my interest and education goals,” she said. “MCC makes it possible for students to get a college degree without being heavily indebted.”

At MCC’s 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony, Rithy was a student marshal representing her graduating class. Now an Applied Biomedical major at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, she is excited to have earned an associate degree and be halfway to her bachelor’s degree.

In her classes at Middlesex, Rithy gained valuable experiences. When she majored in Nursing, she enjoyed her clinicals at hospitals, assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers. In her Liberal Arts and Sciences classes, she learned more about history and classic literature.

MCC made Rithy’s transition between majors easy with academic maps and guided pathways. By offering a semester-by-semester breakdown of which courses she needed to meet major requirements, the maps and pathways helped Rithy keep track of the requirements she already met and which ones she needed to complete. This helped her reach her goals on time and not lose any of the credits she already earned.

“These exposures that I gained during these programs of study has shaped my knowledge and myself as a whole,” she said. “MCC helped build the foundation for my education so I can build a sturdy path toward my future.”

All of her professors have built comfortable and flexible learning environments, including online due to the pandemic. From this experience, she has “grown fond” of her online classes, finding online learning more enjoyable than she did before.

Three professors in particular stand out for inspiring her at Middlesex – Professors of Behavioral Science Michael Cermak and Alejandro Raya, and English Faculty Member Timothy Bleecker. Rithy believes they helped students understand “it’s okay to stop and smell the roses” and to remember what is most important in life.

“Not only did they allow space for students to be themselves, they also encouraged them to be better versions of themselves,” she said. “MCC allows students the time to explore their passion and learn about themselves. MCC staff are always there to help you and guide you through any questions that you have.”

Originally from Cambodia, Rithy moved to the U.S. about a decade ago. An active member of the Asian American Connections Center, she calls the space her “second home.”

At the Center, she enjoyed making friends, engaging in events, and getting support from employees, including Virak Uy, MCC’s Director of Programs for Asian American Student Advancement (PAASA), and Linda Thiem, Program Specialist for PAASA.

“The diversity at MCC has given me a sense of belonging, as well as broadened my perspectives,” she said.

Rithy also participated in several other MCC clubs and organizations, such as Asian Students in Alliance Club, PAASA, International Club and Phi Theta Kappa, MCC’s honor society. She has also enjoyed many MCC community events, including bingo games, Spirit of Boston Sunset Cruise trips, Student Engagement banquets, annual Asian American Family Nights and Diversity Summits.

In recommending Middlesex to other students, Rithy believes there are options available to best fit every individual’s needs. Overall, she believes MCC “was one awesome experience to remember.”

The Liberal Arts and Sciences program at MCC 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/liberalarts/ for more information and to discover your path to an Education degree 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!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.