Middlesex Community College: Middlesex CC Names Brooke Stevenson 2021-2022 Student Trustee

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

7/8/2021

Brooke Stevenson, of Winchester, has been named to the Middlesex Community College Board of Trustees for the 2021-2022 academic year as Student Trustee.

After transferring from a four-year college, Stevenson came to appreciate MCC’s welcoming environment. A member of the Commonwealth Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa honors society and Student Government Association, she enjoys playing an active role in the college community.

As Trustee, Stevenson is looking forward to representing the voice of Middlesex students and advocating for their diverse needs. At the Board of Trustees meetings, she hopes to offer an “open and progressive dialogue” in order to promote the college’s mission of equity and inclusion.

“Being active in campus life gives me a purpose and a sense of community,” Stevenson said. “I am honored that my fellow students have trusted me with this prestigious role. I do not take it lightly and will do everything in my power to represent the student body, and hope to make small steps in creating an overall more equitable institution.”

With a passion for helping others, Stevenson is working toward both an associate in Criminal Justice and a certificate in Paralegal Studies. She became interested in public service while in high school when she interned with the Winchester Police Department. From her experience with her mentor Sgt. Dan Perenick, she learned “what it means to be a good person in the system.”

“I want to help others and actually make a difference,” Stevenson said. “I am passionate about advocacy and speaking for those who have weaker voices. Everyone needs someone, and that is why I want to work in public service.”

In MCC’s Criminal Justice program, Stevenson feels inspired by her professors – including Lynda Pintrich, Peyton Paxson, Ronald Brevard and Heloisa DaCunha – and is appreciative of their dedication to helping their students become the future of the field, as well as “good citizens.” The program also helped her to learn more about the different careers she could pursue.

Stevenson’s interest in her law classes motivated her to start the Paralegal Studies certificate. Her goal is to work as a paralegal as she earns her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell after she graduates from Middlesex. Planning to major in Criminal Justice, she will minor in Legal Studies and Political Science.

In the future, Stevenson is considering going to law school and starting a career as a lawyer or forensic scientist. Regardless of what she decides to do for her career, she knows “as long as I am helping someone, I will be more than happy.”

With her responsibilities of becoming Student Trustee – along with her participation in clubs and organizations around campus – Stevenson is also working as she takes classes. At both Winchester Hospital and McLean Hospital, she works in security where she helps young patients who are struggling with substance abuse or mental health.

Although Stevenson considers herself fortunate to be able to work part-time while studying at Middlesex, she understands many of her classmates have to balance their coursework with a full-time job. While taking classes during the pandemic, she has witnessed other students working through challenges and wants to advocate for the “common student struggle” of balancing school and work, among others.

As she prepares to start the Fall 2021 semester with the additional role of Student Trustee, Stevenson is grateful for all of the opportunities Middlesex has provided to set her up for future academic, professional and personal success. She looks forward to working with students, faculty and staff and welcomes all to reach out to her.

“Academically, I am on a great path to transfer and continue my education,” she said. “Socially, I have made many friends who I hope to keep. Most importantly, intellectually, Middlesex has prepared me for the real world and how to be successful.”

Part of the Public Service pathway, the Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies programs 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/discover/dyp_pubserv.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a career in Public Service at Middlesex.

Featuring flexible course formats and a variety of student support services and resources, MCC is registering now for the Fall 2021 semester. 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.