At just 16-years-old Sohana Hasan, of Waltham, completed her associate degree at Middlesex Community College. The Dual Enrollment student was one of two graduation speakers who represented the class of 2023 at MCC’s Commencement held on Thursday, May 25 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
“It means so much to be named a commencement speaker,” Hasan said. “So much of my college experience was limited to the daily grind of doing and submitting assignments – especially during the pandemic when we were all isolated. Seeing my hard work validated in this way is such a special experience for me.”
From an early age, Hasan learned about the “amazing environment and community” Middlesex offered to students through her mother who is an MCC alumna. When the opportunity presented itself, she jumped at the chance to start taking Dual Enrollment classes at 13-years-old. In addition to enhancing her academic journey, Hasan gained lifelong connections and friendships with mentors and classmates.
“So much of my college experience was limited to the daily grind of doing and submitting assignments – especially during the pandemic when we were all isolated. Seeing my hard work validated in this way is such a special experience for me.” - Sohana Hasan, MCC Alum
Majoring in English Literature, Hasan has had a passion for the subject since she was younger. Calling her pursuit of the field “inevitable,” she got her first library card at 6 and loves to read. In her MCC courses, she was able to dive deeper into the subject than her traditional high school-level classes, learning from professors who are dedicated to helping their students succeed.
“The faculty here are so caring and knowledgeable – they know their stuff and are excited to teach it,” Hasan said. “Though meeting deadlines for assignments is important, these professors are understanding and accommodating when life gets in the way of that.”
Hasan stayed busy within MCC’s community. After being recommended to work as a Peer Writing Tutor for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), Hasan became a Diversity Peer Educator and Master Tutor, as well as presented at the New England Peer Tutor Association (NEPTA) Conference at UML in the springs of 2022 and 2023.
She was also Vice President of the creative writing Mad Queens Club and a member of the Student Government Association and the Muslim Student Association.
Hasan graduated from MCC as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar with highest honors and a 4.0 GPA. She will continue to study English Literature at UML, where she received a full-ride merit scholarship. In her address to her classmates, she highlighted the ways in which MCC helped her overcome challenges with its “special and spectacular community.”
“During my time at MCC, I’ve grown so much academically and professionally,” she said. “I’ve learned how to meet deadlines and write essays under pressure. I’ve also learned public speaking and leadership skills. I’ve learned to take charge of a group and how to encourage my own success as well as the success of others. All of these skills and more that I’ve gained at MCC are absolutely crucial for my future academic and professional success.”