A single-father of a 9-year-old-boy, Guy Bastien, of Tyngsborough, is proud to be back at school. Combining his knowledge from previous college-level classes with his professional experience in electronics manufacturing, Bastien came to Middlesex Community College to study electrical engineering.

“It means a lot for my son to see me going back to school,” Bastien said. “Once I had my son, everything changed, including my perspective for life. I’m an example for him, someone he can relate to going to college. I let him know everything I’m doing in classes and at school.”

Before starting to work in electronics, Bastien struggled with housing insecurity. Once he found his footing, he was able to focus on long-term goals, including using funding and support from the state to return to college and get his degree. Resources at Middlesex have helped him adjust to being a full-time student, such as visiting the college’s food pantries where he can get healthy food and connect with staff.

“It means a lot for my son to see me going back to school. Once I had my son, everything changed, including my perspective for life. I’m an example for him, someone he can relate to going to college. I let him know everything I’m doing in classes and at school.” - Guy Bastien, student

MCC’s TRIO for Student Success Program (SSP) assists Bastien with one-on-one academic, professional and personal advising and building connections at the college. During his time with the program, he has enjoyed attending field trips to learn more about his transfer options, including UMass Lowell (UML) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

“I’m getting a lot out of TRIO,” Bastien said. “The program helps with self-development, job and career training, and prepares me to have a network of people to work with when I graduate. In particular, Rina [Tenore, MCC’s Lead Advisor of TRIO SSP] is a great person. She’s someone I can always talk to and is very supportive.”

Bastien also names professor Leonardo Nin as having a positive impact on his time at MCC. In his Ethics and Society class, Bastien found Nin to be engaging, making class feel easy, leading interesting conversations, and motivating him to attend. In many of his college-level classes, Bastien appreciates the tone his professors have set for class expectations.

“What I’m getting out of college is nobody is forcing me to be here,” Bastien said. “I make the decision to wake up and go, and when I speak to the professors, there’s a level of respect because they know I’m an adult. It makes me aware that if I put myself in this position, I have to do what I have to do.”

Though he takes a mix of on-campus and online classes, Bastien stays involved in community activities. In addition to attending TRIO-related events, he joined the African Cultural Club to connect with peers. His experiences from the club have helped Bastien feel like he belongs at MCC.

“Everyone I’ve met is friendly,” he said. “I enjoy participating and getting to know people from all different cultures in the club. I like being with people of all ages and backgrounds.”

After he graduates, Bastien plans to transfer to UML to study electrical and mechanical engineering. His biggest end goal is to one day own an electronics manufacturing company. MCC is helping him jumpstart his dreams.

“Being around MCC’s environment, the people and experience of college has been great,” he said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in school, but I wanted to go back and get my degree. Looking back, I realized how much I missed at college in the beginning. Now, it’s fun.”