Middlesex Community College: Middlesex CC Alum Considers Possible Doctorate Pursuit

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

6/17/2021

Danzel Jones planned to attend a four-year university after graduating from high school. This changed when he realized he would not have housing available at the university, and he came to Middlesex Community College instead. Although reluctant at first to change his path, Middlesex became his “home away from home.”

Planning to stay through the one semester, Jones fell in love with MCC and did not transfer until graduating with his associate degree. One of the benefits of staying at the college was finishing most of his general education requirements so he could focus on his major when he transferred.

“I enjoyed my time at Middlesex so much,” he said. “I constantly encourage folks that if they’re looking at trying to save money, go to a community college first, get an associate degree and then transfer – or do the MassTransfer program.”

A first generation student, Jones was unsure if he wanted to attend college. He went, and found people who inspired him to continue his journey. Having earned a bachelor’s from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master’s from Northeastern University in the Spring of 2021, Jones is exploring his options to pursue his doctorate.

“I had a network of folks who were constantly supporting and encouraging me every step of the way and I was able to make it across the finish line,” he said. “There’s not many folks who look like me who have a doctorate. These students who are coming up right behind me don’t see people getting these degrees. I’m showing them that they can also do it.”

At Middlesex, Jones was supported by his academic advisor Reginald Nichols, now MCC’s Assistant Director of HR Talent & Compliance, whose speech Jones still remembers from his graduation day.

“He was basically the person who helped me get through,” Jones said. “The way Reggie approaches both academics and life in general is just very different than everybody else. He keeps it 100 percent real and wants you to be in control of everything it is you want to do, and not him telling you what you need to do.”

While at Middlesex, Jones kept busy by participating in the TRIO program, African Culture Club, Middlesex Activities Crew, Student Government and the Environmental Group. He also worked in various places around campus, including the Multicultural Center, Advising, Student Affairs and as an Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor.

Interested in staying involved in the community, Jones contributed a blog post entitled “I am Tired” for Middlesex in June of 2020 to commemorate Juneteenth. His post included commentary on his experience going to MCC and finding a mentor in Nichols, a call to action to end racial injustice and preconceived stereotypes, a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about no longer fearing those who are different, and his attendance at MCC’s “Demonstration of Antiracism: In Honor of George Floyd” where he saw many familiar faces from his time at the college.

“Just being back home at Middlesex to see the community still coming together, still standing for what’s right, and making sure that all students, faculty and staff feel safe and feel heard, definitely spoke volumes,” he said.

A self-described “extreme extrovert,” Jones enjoys meeting new people, from his fellow classmates to administration of the college. Staying involved – whether by introducing himself to people throughout the community or participating in programs like a Study Abroad trip to England – helped him build connections and a strong network.

With Middlesex as his “starting point” for networking, Jones saw how employees of the college wanted to talk to students and listen to their experiences. He applauds both President James C. Mabry and President-elect Phil Sisson for their dedication to students and being so involved in the community. Building this comfort level at a smaller school also helped Jones transition to a larger community at UMass Amherst

“Whether you want to meet new people, connect yourself to the campus community or do something fun with your friends, get yourself involved,” he said. “The networking opportunities that it provides to you is so important. You never know who knows who and what doors can open when you start tapping into those networks.”

A Communications student from his time at Middlesex, Jones’ favorite part of his major was being able to do hands-on work, including taking a radio class at MCC where he got to perform broadcasts, commercials and stories or a music class where they recorded a song. He also enjoyed taking a film class where they got to watch and analyze movies.

While he was studying at Northeastern, Jones worked in the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute as a graduate program and events assistant. In his work, he pulled in his Communications skills, spearheading the photo slideshow and outline of the 2020 virtual baccalaureate ceremony, and organizing a virtual version of the annual oratory competition. In December, he also put together a virtual Kwanza celebration for the community.

“I bring in my own Communications aspects into it,” he said. “Because of the pandemic, I’ve had a lot more opportunities to be able to do that.”

From Lawrence and now living in Methuen, Jones is looking forward to his future. He is about to start a full-time job and is making plans to continue his education. While college has not always been easy for him, he is glad he never gave up. He wants to encourage other students to also continue on their own paths, emphasizing that they know what is best for themselves.

“One notion I always share with students is be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” he said. “You’ll be able to excel and not only learn about what’s going on, but also play a part in making change and having an opportunity to make a difference in what’s going on.”

Visit https://mccpathways.blog/2020/06/19/i-am-tired-by-danzel-jones to read Jones’ MCC blog post.

The Arts, Humanities and Communications programs at MCC help 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. For more information, visit href="https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_artshum.aspx and discover your path to a Communications degree at Middlesex.

MCC is celebrating 50 years! If you have ever taken a class at MCC, you are an alum! To share your story – and join in on the 50th anniversary celebrations – contact Amy Lee, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at 978-656-3028 or leea@middlesex.mass.edu. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/alumni for more information.

Featuring flexible course formats and a variety of student support services and resources, MCC is registering now for the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for classes.

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.