Jonathan Valdez, of Lawrence, was named one of the Difference Makers of the Week by the New England Patriots. As part of the honor, he attended a Patriots game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 1. A Human Services student at Middlesex Community College, Valdez was recognized for his volunteer work at The Carroll Center for the Blind.
“It is an honor for the Patriots to pick me for this recognition,” he said. “I received a signed football with my name and organization, and was awarded $5,000 to the organization where I volunteer for their outstanding work.”
Valdez started volunteering at The Carroll Center for the Blind after a summer internship at the Mass Commission for the Blind in 2021. Working in the rehabilitation department, he also helped in the Carroll store. He opted to continue this work as a volunteer, while assisting with campus events and keeping the facilities clean and organized.
“I mainly do two days of volunteer work at the Center,” Valdez said. “I commute to and from the Center and home while using public transportation, which takes me two and a half hours using the Commuter Rail, Green Line, express bus and a local bus.”
At Middlesex, Valdez enjoys learning in a diverse campus environment that allows him to meet people “from all over different parts of the world.” In his classes toward his Human Services major, he is building a foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare him for working in the field.
“It is an honor for the Patriots to pick me for this recognition. I received a signed football with my name and organization, and was awarded $5,000 to the organization where I volunteer for their outstanding work.” - Jonathan Valdez, MCC Student
Through MCC’s Office of Student Access and Support Services (SASS), Valdez was connected to the college’s TRIO Program for Student Achievement. Although all of the faculty and staff he has met at Middlesex have helped guide his success, he credits staff in the TRIO office for impacting his journey most.
“With TRIO, it has helped me do better with course assignments and grades, and they are always there when I need help,” Valdez said. “It has given me an opportunity to meet one-on-one for tutoring sessions or advising.”
After Valdez graduates from Middlesex, he is looking forward to jumping into the Human Services workforce. He is interested in finding a position where he is currently working at the Lowell Association for the Blind.
Combined with his volunteer work, MCC has given him a strong start into his field.
“My overall experience at MCC has been great,” he said. “It will help me reach my goals by giving me more opportunities for my next steps when looking for the path for work.”