After 10 years of being out of school, Maddy Fadden, of Dracut, was looking for a career beyond retail. From the beginning of her time at Middlesex Community College, she found a community of support that made her feel like she belonged. Combined with a variety of opportunities in and outside of the classroom, Fadden realized the academic and professional path she wanted to pursue.
“My experience has been amazing,” Fadden said. “I made friends, met people from all over the world, and got to do things that I normally wouldn’t have done if I didn’t go to school. Also, the support I have received from MCC being a transgender student has been nothing but supportive and it made me feel like I truly belong.”
Joining MCC’s Success Scholars Program helped set Fadden up for success from the start of her time at the college. This includes a program-led New York City Pride trip where she learned more about the opportunities MCC offers and met new friends within her community.
“I made friends, met people from all over the world, and got to do things that I normally wouldn’t have done if I didn’t go to school. Also, the support I have received from MCC being a transgender student has been nothing but supportive and it made me feel like I truly belong.” - Maddy Fadden, MCC Alumna
Within the Success Scholars Program, Fadden also had a mentor and worked with faculty and staff who helped her navigate college. They showed her all the resources available to her at MCC and advocated for her needs. Inspired by their guidance, Fadden became a peer mentor to assist others like herself at MCC.
“Without the people who supported me, I wouldn’t be graduating,” Fadden said. “Being part of the Success Scholars Program, I started learning about different communities, religions and traditions. I learned the importance of being a great ally and they did the same with me.”
During her time at Middlesex, Fadden stayed busy on campus. As an orientation leader, she welcomed new students to the college experience. Part of MCC’s Prism Club, Fadden organized events on campus, including the winter formal and the update of the Pride Flag rising. For the 2022-2023 academic year, she was the student body president representing the student voice for MCC’s Office of Student Engagement.
Graduating from MCC with honors in May 2024, she was a Commonwealth Honors Scholar. She was also named a 2024 Evening of Excellence speaker where she shared her story of success with the audience.
“To be an Evening of Excellence speaker is such an honor,” Fadden said. “I feel appreciated for everything I’ve done for this community. I truly don’t have enough words to explain how much this means to me.”
A Liberal Studies major, Fadden enjoyed taking classes in the subjects she wanted to take. Along with her extracurricular activities, this helped her narrow down a career that interested her.
Fadden’s involvement in activities at MCC inspired her to pursue working in student affairs in higher education. In the fall of 2024, she will transfer to Southern New Hampshire University to study General Studies with a concentration in Diversity and Cultural Awareness.
“MCC helped me find my full potential of being a leader, the fundamentals of being a great ally, and introduced me to two of my best friends,” she said. “Being part of this community made me realize that no matter who you are, there is a community who will care for and support you here. All students across this country deserve the education they want and strive for.”