Middlesex Community College: MCC Honors Student Studying To Become A Nurse Practitioner

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

5/6/2021

Merilyn Mbombo’s hard work and commitment to her education is paying off. From the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbombo began her education in the United States with English classes at Middlesex Community College. Now a Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP) member and Nursing major, she views Middlesex as a starting point to a successful future.

“Starting from taking English as a second language classes and transitioning into college classes has been a long and enjoyable journey,” she said. “Middlesex Community College is a very welcoming place and is a great place to learn. It provides a good learning environment with people who are well-qualified to walk you through your academic journey at MCC and help you transition to a four-year university.”

Mbombo was referred to Middlesex by the African Community Center in Lowell. The proximity of the campus to her home in Lowell, affordability of classes, and comfort of the environment the community provides inspired her to continue her education at MCC.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Mbombo said she is “aspiring for excellence” – which she tries to prove in everything she does. After graduating from MCC in 2022, she plans to transfer to a four-year university before starting work as a nurse practitioner. Mbombo believes that participating in the CHP at Middlesex will help her meet her long term goals and lead her to a more successful future.

“Being part of the honors program is such a privilege,” she said. “It is an opportunity not to miss and I know from the bottom of my heart that I would never regret taking this chance one day.”

In the CHP, Mbombo has discovered even more about her potential and ability to achieve anything she wants and works for. Her confidence has shined as she strives not to underestimate herself and to do the best she can in all of her work.

As part of the CHP community, she has also realized the importance of being humble, asking for help when she needs it, and learning from others.

“I have learned to remain humble because the best way to learn and gain knowledge is to admit that I am empty, hungry and willing to learn,” she said. “I think that the Commonwealth Honors Program will also help me learn and stay focused on everything I do to be successful.”

This same mindset has helped Mbombo through her studies at Middlesex in the Nursing program. Although challenging, the program has taught her a new perspective. From studying questions to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), learning more about what a nurse does in the role, reading notes daily, to staying on top of all of her responsibilities, Mbombo has come to understand the value of remaining flexible and committed.

“Dedication is key,” she said. “Without loving and having passion to become a nurse, it is impossible to enjoy the journey and accept having to sacrifice a lot to be a nurse one day.”

Her strong resolve has also helped her adjust to learning through a pandemic. While the transition to online courses was difficult in the initial adjustment period, Mbombo has had a good experience with MCC’s online education. One of the more important benefits to online learning for her has been having recorded lectures that she can then look back at when studying.

Overall, Mbombo is grateful to be part of the MCC community. In addition to having learned relevant knowledge and skills to succeed in her future career, she feels as though she has become a stronger and more confident professional.

In all of her classes and experiences – from her English classes to Nursing, and as a CHP scholar – Mbombo has also grown into a leader and change agent. Part of what has helped her be so successful is the feeling that Middlesex is home.

“The diversity of students that attend MCC gave me a sense of belonging and made me never feel like a stranger,” she said. “I am proud to attend such a school that promotes diversity and inclusion.”

Students who participate in MCC’s CHP must have at least a 3.2 GPA upon applying and receive guaranteed transfer to any of the honors programs and colleges in the Mass. university system, enhanced prospects for acceptance to private four-year schools, and increased opportunities for scholarships. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/honors/ for more information.

MCC’s Nursing & Allied Health Division prepares students to go into exciting and rewarding careers, as well as to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Students learn the knowledge and skills they need to help people, including practical and clinical hands-on experiences.

Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/healthcareersdiv/ for more information about the Nursing, Dental Programs, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Medical Lab Technician and Radiologic Technology programs 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.