The Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) is a collaborative program of the astronomers at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. By linking teaching and research programs, the FCAD offers students a rich and diverse environment for studying and doing astronomy.

Kidwell spent the summer doing research with Professor Daniel Wang, working on 3D-hydrodynamic simulations of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sag A*) located in the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

鈥淎s a result of my time doing research over the summer, I have been able to continue on under Professor Wang this fall,鈥� notes Kidwell. 鈥淚 was awarded a Massachusetts Space Grant for it as well.鈥�

During his time at 开元棋牌 as a Pathways Early College student, Kidwell was a Commonwealth Honors student and member of the Astronomy Club. He graduated in 203 with the highest honors with both his Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and his high school diploma.

“It was a pleasure having Dan in my Calculus class and working with the Astronomy club,鈥� Professor Jeffery Thompson said. 鈥淒an brought an intellectual curiosity into all his academic endeavors. This curiosity will suit them well in their studies. They pushed themselves and their peers with a cheerful wonder at what lie on the other side of a problem, telescope lens, or trebuchet.”

开元棋牌鈥檚 Pathways Early College Experience offers motivated students interested in getting a head start on college the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree while completing their junior and senior years in high school taking courses at 开元棋牌.

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鈥淢y decision to return to Mount Wachusett Community College after almost ten years was one of the best choices I have ever made,鈥� Flerra says. 鈥溈迮� has been my second chance at creating a purposeful life, it was a crucial part of my path to redemption, and it鈥檚 been an essential tool to fulfilling my dreams.鈥�

Returning to 开元棋牌 nearly a decade after her last attempt at higher education, Flerra initially doubted her prospects. Her previous attempts had ended in failure, and she feared her past might overshadow her future. “I never thought I鈥檇 be given a second chance,” she reflects. Yet, 开元棋牌’s acceptance marked the beginning of a new chapter, one of redemption and purposeful living.

In her darkest time, after the death of her child鈥檚 father, she turned to faith, seeking solace and strength. “Through miracles that only God could perform, I began to transform into a new person,” she recalls. Embracing this newfound strength, Flerra resolved to chase her long-forgotten dreams and create a life full of purpose, one where she could help others, a life she could be proud of.

The college environment, imbued with support and understanding, allowed her to flourish. “The staff accepted me without judgment, knowing my past failures and still gave me the chance to prove myself,” she says. With determination and hard work, Flerra not only maintained good grades, but excelled, making the Dean鈥檚 List, winning awards, and securing scholarships, all while balancing the demands of motherhood and full-time employment.

The journey was not without its setbacks. She was accepted into the competitive nursing program. Still, during her first semester, she broke her leg, a challenge she was helped through with support from her advisors, professors, classmates, friends, and family.

Six short weeks after her first challenge, tragedy struck again with the loss of her brother to addiction. This spurred Flerra to add substance abuse counseling to her studies. “My brother鈥檚 passing ignited a new fire within,” she says.

A year later she found herself at another critical juncture. Her passion for the nursing program was not what it once was, and she lost her place in the program. “I gave all I had to give that semester but, in the end, it was not enough,” she admits. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she pivoted, switching her focus to Human Services with the support of her 开元棋牌 advisor. This move proved pivotal, aligning her studies with her passion and strengths.

Flerra earned her Associate of Science in Human Services with the class of 2024, and her Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2023. She is working as a recovery counselor at a local treatment center, and will continue her studies at Liberty University, where she is pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Christian counseling with a focus on addiction.

Flerra’s story is one of profound transformation, underscored by the unwavering support of 开元棋牌. “Mount Wachusett Community College built a strong foundation for me,” she asserts, grateful for the institution that gave her the opportunity to redefine her future. Her journey exemplifies how a single step, supported by a community that believes in second chances, can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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Gwen began her pursuit of an associate degree in 2014, and like many of her peers, she encountered obstacles that threatened to derail her aspirations. Yet, in the face of adversity, she discovered an inner resilience that propelled her forward.

Mount Wachusett Community College became more than just an educational institution for Gwen; it became a sanctuary of support and empowerment. Here, dedicated professors nurtured her intellectual curiosity, challenging her to exceed her perceived limitations. The staff provided invaluable guidance and mentorship, reaffirming Gwen’s belief in her own potential.

Throughout her time at 开元棋牌, Gwen learned invaluable lessons in resilience and self-belief. She discovered that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, and that failure is not a sign of weakness but a steppingstone to success. Armed with newfound confidence and determination, Gwen stands on the precipice of a new chapter in her life, ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

Gwen earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences and is a stellar member of the 开元棋牌 Academic Affairs Division team.

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She began her higher education journey 42 years prior, however, life had other plans. She married a wonderful man, with whom she shared 38 years of love and partnership, and together they raised two amazing daughters. For the last 18 years, she dedicated herself to a career as a paraprofessional at a local middle-high school, a role that she loved.

Despite the fulfillment she found in her personal and professional life, she never forgot the promise she made to herself: to return to college. Decades later, with the unwavering support of her family and friends, she joined the community at Mount Wachusett Community College. The institution not only provided her with academic knowledge but also gently nudged her out of her comfort zone, guiding and assisting her along the way.

鈥淢ount Wachusett Community College pushed me out of my comfort zone or, should I say, gently nudged me with their guidance and assistance in completing my first degree at the age of 61,鈥� Morgan says. 鈥淚 am not your typical undergraduate. I am not the typical age, not the typical student, and I certainly did not take the typical amount of time to complete this degree.鈥�

鈥淥n this journey, with 开元棋牌鈥檚 support,鈥� she continued, 鈥淚 have also learned it doesn鈥檛 matter how old you are, how many classes you take or how long it might take to complete your degree, your timeline is exactly that; your timeline, your comfort zone is your comfort zone.鈥�

Throughout her time at 开元棋牌, she embraced the challenge of stepping beyond her comfort zone. She learned that true growth and discovery lie in testing one’s abilities and determination.

Her story is a testament to the belief that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. She demonstrated that age is just a number, and the timeline to achieve one’s goals is unique to everyone. Her journey was a dance through life’s challenges, always pushing boundaries and stepping beyond the familiar.

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In an inspiring twist of fate, a mother and son duo found themselves graduating together, marking the culmination of their distinct but parallel academic journeys. Their story is one of perseverance, mutual support, and the deepening of an already close bond.

The decision for Anne and Nathan Nash to pursue their degrees simultaneously was unplanned. Mother Anne, whose degree is in interdisciplinary studies-allied health, had been working towards her goal for ten years. Meanwhile, her son Nathan made the decision two years ago to embark on his own academic journey, aiming for, and earning, an associate degree in business administration to help advance his career. Their paths converged, leading them to graduate at the same time鈥攁 coincidence that has brought them immense joy.

Throughout their academic pursuits, they leaned on each other for support. During challenging times, when one struggled, the other provided reassurance and encouragement. This mutual support system was crucial in helping them navigate the difficulties of being unconventional students, as both had resumed their studies long after high school鈥攅specially Anne, who is retired and returned to school to better herself.

Being non-traditional students posed difficulties, but having each other as both family and fellow students proved to be a significant advantage. They offered each other a level of understanding and support that many other students might not have, strengthening their resolve and commitment to their academic goals.

鈥淲e are extremely proud and happy to reach this milestone together,鈥� Anne says. 鈥淚t is a very special time for both of us and this experience has strengthened an already wonderful mother/son relationship.鈥�

This shared experience has not only brought them closer but has also solidified their already tight-knit family bond. The mother and son duo feel that graduating together has been an extraordinary experience, making them even more excited about this milestone.

When asked what advice they would give to other parent/child students, Anne says, 鈥淟isten to each other, and be there for each other, even if it’s only to let each other vent when the going gets tough.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have someone who knows what you are going through and cheering you on to the finish line,鈥� Nathan added.

For them, the ultimate memorable moment will be the graduation ceremony itself. They eagerly anticipate walking across the stage together, a poignant symbol of their shared journey.

To celebrate their achievement, they plan to have a special family dinner, recognizing the support they have received from their extended family throughout this exciting period in their lives. Due to COVID, many graduation ceremonies were missed, so this will be a very special time to share with family and friends.

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Secino鈥檚 journey began long before she set foot on the 开元棋牌 campus. It began with dreams deferred and aspirations put on hold. Life had thrown her curveballs, from illness to addiction, from heartbreak to the daunting task of rebuilding her life from scratch. Yet, through it all, she never lost sight of the flicker of hope that burned deep within her soul.

She started her college journey at Fitchburg State in 2004 but decided in 2005 to put her education on hold to work and raise her daughter. She went on to have a successful career working with individuals with developmental disabilities and enjoyed her work.

Then disaster struck. In 2015 she became ill with a mystery disease that left her on life support in a coma. Doctors told the family there was nothing they could do, but luckily her grandmother refused to allow them to take her off life support. Eventually, her body started to gain strength and she slowly recovered.

When she woke, she had lost many of the basic functions we take for granted. She had to relearn how to walk, talk, and even feed herself. She was in constant pain and doctors still had no answers. Her life was changing dramatically, she had lost hope and turned to alcohol to numb the pain. Her illness strained her marriage and she divorced, ready to raise her daughter on her own.

The brain injury, multiple prescriptions, and alcohol combined to leave her feeling that she no longer knew who she was. Five years after she first became ill, she committed to detox, a difficult process and complicated process, but she forged on and has been sober and medication-free since 2021.

With her new clearer perspective, Secino found that she wanted more from life, to build a career in holistic medicine, but was unsure of the path. She decided to re-embark on her educational journey despite apprehension and nervousness about her brain鈥檚 ability to meet the demands of college-level courses. Despite her fear, she decided to enroll at Mount Wachusett Community College.

At 开元棋牌 she found a community of mentors and allies who saw her potential, even when she could not see it herself. Through the Trio Visions program, she received services she did not know she needed. The Visions advisors helped her identify learning challenges that she had, and how to compensate for them. They supported her with planning, organization, and time management, facilitating her ability to complete coursework while still working full-time and raising her daughter.

But her journey was not just about academic achievement, it was about self-discovery and acceptance. At the Mount, she found the courage to embrace her true self, unapologetically and without reservation. She learned that true strength lies not in perfection and success but in vulnerability and resilience.

She is now conveying the wisdom and skills she gained at 开元棋牌 to her daughter, passing on to her a love of learning and supporting her to be more confident in her own education goals for high school and college.

鈥溈迮� has truly changed my life, it set the pace for my future, allowed me to gain confidence, let my authentic self blossom, and continues to give me the courage to admit my struggles,鈥� stated Secino. 鈥淚 am taking the struggles and all I have learned, and turning it into positivity. I now understand that my destined path is to provide hope and healing for others.鈥�

Secino graduates with the 开元棋牌 Class of 2024 with her Associate Degree in Independent Studies 鈥� Allied Health concentration.

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鈥淚 went through two training sessions with the SUCCESS Program and then I applied to be a mentor because I have the passion and the motivation to help people. Throughout all the struggles and experiences I have had at 开元棋牌, I feel like I can help and relate to other students鈥�, says Aryee.

Mercy currently mentors two students and is looking forward to the opportunity to increase her number of mentee鈥檚 next semester.

鈥淚t can be challenging being a student mentor because you鈥檙e working on your own classwork as well as helping other students,鈥� Mercy expresses the importance of having good time management skills. She adds that being a mentor 鈥渋nvolves a lot of time because you have to structure and schedule your time and fit mentoring into it. If you are not on top of your game, you can鈥檛 help other students. It鈥檚 a lot of balance.鈥�

While focusing on her own coursework, Mercy likes to structure her study time by setting alarms on her phone to break up her studying into increments. She also likes to sprinkle-in motivation for herself, for example allowing herself limited time on social media between assignments or enjoying her favorite snack. She recommends that others try 鈥渁ttaching conditions to your learning鈥� to help keep you motivated while completing assignments.

Mercy understands the importance of voicing her needs when she struggles and encourages other students to do the same. 鈥淛ust ask questions, don鈥檛 feel like the questions you ask are stupid or irrelevant, if it pops in your mind and you feel like it鈥檚 become an issue, just voice it out. Try not to keep things to yourself, there鈥檚 so many resources around, there鈥檚 so many different people that you can talk to, just voice it out鈥� says Aryee.

One of her favorite aspects of attending 开元棋牌 is the availability of resources and the willingness of faculty and staff to help students. 鈥淢y favorite part is that you are able to have many resources at your fingertips, you can just send an email, or walk to any of the offices and everyone is willing to help鈥�, says Mercy.

Mercy will be graduating with her Associate Degree in Computer Science next semester and plans to transfer to Fitchburg State University to work towards her bachelor鈥檚 degree. In the next five years, she would like to complete her bachelor鈥檚 and work in the information technology field at a top company. She strongly encourages students who are struggling to 鈥淎sk more questions. I was trying to struggle to do things on my own and then I realized that there are solutions everywhere鈥�, says Mercy.

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Anna Lago arrived in Leominster from her native Brazil in 2019 without speaking English.聽 She immediately enrolled in 开元棋牌’s English as a Second Language program at our Leominster campus. She pushed through remote courses during the pandemic and continued on to enroll in the art degree program.

She completed her associate degree in art requirements in December 2022 with a GPA of 3.92, before transferring for her bachelor鈥檚 degree in illustration at one of the country鈥檚 most prestigious art schools 鈥� The Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia.

Lago’s artwork has already been selected for exhibition multiple times and one of her pieces, 鈥淚nternational Experience鈥� 鈥� which she created while at 开元棋牌 – was recently awarded first place in an honors student showcase. That same work is now framed and included as part of Savannah College of Art & Design’s permanent collection. You can view more of her work from 开元棋牌 in the 2022 Student Exhibition.

Lago finished her first semester at Savannah College of Art and Design on May 16 and flew back to Massachusetts that evening in order to be the Class of 2023 Student Commencement Speaker.聽 Please find the transcript of her speech below.

“It’s an honor to be here representing the class of 2023 at Mount Wachusett Community College. Today, I am not only receiving my associate degree in art, but I also have the honor of representing you all as one of this year’s graduation speakers. Thank everyone for being here today, mainly for participating in our learning process. I also want to thank 开元棋牌 for being the best college we could have.

“Being part of 开元棋牌 has brought us many lessons, not only in our lives as students but also in our personal lives. At 开元棋牌, we learned how to ignore our limits, believe in our power, take and manage our time, and follow our path. We also learned that we are free to write our own stories. By the way, it is a pleasure to write a happy ending with you all.

“We made it! Today is the day to celebrate our arrival and recap our journey here. Mine, for example, started here in 2019, when I arrived in the United States without speaking English. I came to 开元棋牌 to study English as a second language. Then COVID began, and all courses were moved online.

“Everyone here knows what a significant adjustment online learning was. But imagine how you would have felt if all your online classes were written and taught in a language you’re still trying to learn. I took two years of ESL classes and started my ART studies soon after.

“It was challenging to get here. I have always pushed myself and never accepted anything other than my best. When in-person classes returned, I didn’t feel able to communicate. I thought my English needed to be better to be there, even though professors and classmates encouraged me to try. Semesters passed, and every day was an internal struggle. I wanted to speak and express myself, but my voice would not come out. Presentation days in class were like a nightmare for me, but each performance was a victory, which became a learning experience. I began to value my efforts and take pride in small achievements. Today, I present myself in English to a large audience for the first time, turning in my most significant achievement ever.

“Now that you鈥檝e heard about my journey at 开元棋牌, I want each of you, my fellow graduates, to think about your own. What challenges have you encountered in this process so far? What were the achievements? What are you proud of in this process? I know that many of you worked and studied at the same time, did your homework at dawn just to turn it in on time, and often ate poorly or just skipped meals altogether so you could be in class on time. Today is about that. About celebrating all those daily sacrifices we’ve made over the years. Today, we no longer must remind ourselves 鈥楾his will eventually be worth it.鈥� Instead, we finally get to celebrate how much all that hard work was worth. And it will always be worth it, so always strive to get what you want. You know those dreams that you have kept inside you? Turn them into goals, into objectives to be achieved. Never give up without trying. Remember that anything is possible. So, dedicate yourself and persist. Never forget what a good example you have already set for yourself. Remember high school graduation day? Did those young adults think they would be able to tackle another rank? Today you proved to yourselves that you are capable of anything.

As Michael Jordan says, “Talent wins games, but only teamwork wins championships.” In this way, President, Faculty, and Employees, you were essential for us to get here. You are the ones who carry on the 开元棋牌 name. You bring 开元棋牌 to life. and make it a college and home for each of us. You welcome us, show us care, and respect our choices, limits, and time. You value our past and believe in our potential. You are interested in our culture and values; you never let us give up. Thank you for everything. Thank you, and 开元棋牌 at large, for all the events, talks, weekly activities, and opportunities you’ve given us to create bonds and connections with such special people.

“Parents, friends, and guests, you are also part of all this. You were always present, but especially in the bad times. You supported us in our moments of fury. You gave us hugs and strength when we were about to give up on everything. You did your best for us, even when you didn’t know exactly how to help. You were essential in this process, and for these reasons, we will be grateful for the rest of our lives. We promise to make you very proud of us. Keep believing in us. Don’t pressure us by wanting to know what’s next, we already have our plans in mind. And as you witnessed while we were in college here, we’ve already pressured ourselves enough. We understand that these questions are nothing less than concerns born of the simple fact that you love us, for now, though, just know that we plan to grow and fly wherever our dreams take us.

“To end my speech, I want to make one last suggestion. Remember that what makes your dreams come true is you. So, fly high, but don鈥檛 forget to carry with you all the knowledge and experience you鈥檝e gained at Mount Wachusett Community College. Sure, it might be heavy luggage, but you鈥檒l need it for the next steps in your journey. Everyone here will always be rooting for your success. Graduates of 2023 let鈥檚 go out there and take on the world.”

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鈥淎s I tripped my way throughout my early childhood, a piece of wisdom my Dad never stopped telling me, and ultimately never stopped being wise, is that when you fall, you have to get up.鈥�

Bravo鈥檚 parents and grandfather immigrated from Mexico right before she and her siblings were born. As part of her family’s first generation in the US, she and her siblings watched as their parents and grandfather worked hard to give them a life filled with many possibilities.

鈥淭hey are the hardest-working people I know. Watching them live through their inspiring story left my siblings and me with a legacy of resilience and determination,鈥� Bravo shares.

Bravo was introduced to the 开元棋牌 Pathways Early College Experience program by her older brother Abraham, a 2020 graduate of 开元棋牌 and past student trustee. She left her small high school to follow in her brothers鈥� footsteps. At Mount Wachusett Community College, she enjoyed attending classes with people who demonstrated the same resilience and grit that she had seen in her family. She is graduating from 开元棋牌 with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and her high school diploma.

鈥淢y classmates have been mothers, fathers, immigrants, children of immigrants, veterans, and students on both the early and older side of the age spectrum; I have had the opportunity to take classes with people from all different walks of life.

鈥淓very graduate can attribute a piece of their success to a professor, staff, or loved one. I would not have earned my degree without the support of my dear family, who has given me their unconditional love throughout this journey, nor could I have been as successful without the patient guidance of my two beloved advisors, Cara Breda and Stefanae Bowen.鈥�

Bravo also credits her professors who cultivated her love of education, especially her philosophy professor Dan Soucy, English professor Priya Bannerjee who helped her gain confidence in her writing, government professor James Korman, mathematics professor Nancy DiLeo, and Kara Roche who helped her fall in love with literature.

鈥淲hether it was learning how to get past the intimidation of speaking in class discussions or overcoming the fear of taking tests or getting past our doubts about ourselves; Our stories, experiences, success, and failures make the world Our world. And our world would not be great if the beauty and light within our stories and differences grew dim. Our mistakes, bumps, and bruises add to the beautiful mosaic of our lives, and 开元棋牌 gave us the space to learn that the only way you can fail is if you stay down when the inevitable mistakes come your way. Learning to get up is the only way to be brave enough to run and embark on the lifelong quest for knowledge.鈥�

鈥淭o me, 开元棋牌 is the mosaic of people that solidified my belief that if I were to walk away from the President with my degree, trip on my graduation gown, and fall right on my face in front of everyone at Commencement, I will be able to get up and look towards the future because I know I鈥檓 not alone, and I am not afraid of falling anymore.鈥�

During her time at 开元棋牌, Bravo served as the Vice President of the Student Government Association, Co-President of the African-Latinx-Asian-Native American (ALANA) club, was part of the Commonwealth Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was awarded the Judge M. Alan Moore Award for Academic Excellence. Bravo will be attending Williams College in the fall.

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Rachel Lucia first enrolled at 开元棋牌 in 1994 at the age of twenty-one; a mother of three with little to no family support. She had quit high school after having her first child and was determined to overcome that setback by going to college. Knowing she needed to provide for her family and act as a role model to her children, Lucia felt that earning her associate degree at The Mount was something she needed to do.

Lucia had enthusiastically enrolled in the Criminal Justice program. However, without a driver鈥檚 license, and needing to work to support her family, her situation wasn鈥檛 ideal. She attended classes at night and struggled. Her already limited family support system caved in, and she withdrew from classes shortly after she began.

This decision is one of two that she would carry heavy in her heart. She vowed to return to her studies someday and set out to focus on caring and providing for her children for the time being. Lucia continued to question her decision to leave, always thinking of when she might be able to return; but when she reenrolled, she knew she made the best choice.

Lucia is now a grandmother, and her grandchildren, Lucas and Leilani, have been a large driving force for Lucia throughout her time at the Mount as she thinks about their futures.

鈥淲ith the help of 开元棋牌 I have laid a foundation of skills that I can hand down to generations to come,鈥� Lucia says. 鈥淭hrough watching and learning of my success, my hope is they will be empowered to make their own mistakes and have great experiences on their own journey to success.鈥�

鈥淢ount Wachusett Community College was paramount to helping me mold a successful gateway to my future,鈥� Lucia continued. 鈥淭ime and again I was paired with phenomenal staff and given the chance to participate in outstanding, life- changing experiences and opportunities. I have so many things I can list that positively influenced my experience at 开元棋牌 including: the TRIO Rx program and my advisor Alaina, my endeavor to get the Human Services Club running and then serving as its President, the Leader鈥檚 program, and becoming the student ambassador for Basic Needs Security. I did everything knowing it wasn鈥檛 going to be easy and I would make mistakes and struggle a little, but that it was going to be ok and all so worth it.鈥�

鈥溈迮� has been my foundation and provided the structure that I needed to get me through this journey. I cannot say enough positive things about the resources available to ensure that students鈥� struggles are as painless as possible. There is so much more to this experience than picking up books, typing out papers and showing up for class. Make the most out of everything The Mount has to offer and understand that they have carved out a path for you, all you need to do is follow it and make it your own.鈥�

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