As Taye Olasedidun works part-time in a mental healthcare role, he is studying to become a nurse at Middlesex Community College. From Nigeria and now living in Lowell, Olasedidun is also a guitarist hoping to expand his performance opportunities. MCC is helping him pursue both of his passions.

“Nursing is the best way for me to get financially stable,” Olasedidun said. “I love helping people and I’m not scared of the tasks. Middlesex has a direct pathway to taking the NCLEX [National Council Licensure Examination]. I have a friend who went to MCC, passed the NCLEX, and is working as a registered nurse. I want to be like him.”

Olasedidun started at Middlesex by completing his prerequisites for the nursing program, including science courses. In labs, being able to practice techniques hands-on helps him better remember what he is learning. As he progresses in the “intensive and theory-oriented” program, Olasedidun looks forward to completing his clinical experiences in a local hospital.

“Middlesex is the right choice for me. It takes time, and you have to be determined to succeed. The dream of the destination is a very good motivator, and I use that to push myself.” - Taye Olasedidun, MCC Student

When he came to Middlesex as a first-generation student, Olasedidun was led to MCC’s SUCCESS Scholars Program. Support from peer and staff mentors, as well as access to resources, activities and skills development has made him feel more connected to the college’s community. The SUCCESS Scholars Program also provided him with an opportunity to attend a student leadership conference in New Orleans.

“The SUCCESS Scholars staff are amazing,” Olasedidun said. “They have mentors who are there to help and are the easiest and best people to reach out to, especially if you are a new student or even new to the country. They provide jobs and opportunities.”

Joining student clubs has also helped Olasedidun hone his leadership skills. Based on the SUCCESS Scholars Program’s recommendation, he formed the Music Club. As president, he leads a group of guitarists, pianists, drummers and singers in concerts at Middlesex and within the community. This includes as part of the college’s “A World of Music” student recitals.

As event coordinator for the African Cultural Club – and possibly vice president this year – Olasedidun schedules and plans events, presents, and organizes meetings, including the annual Fashion Show. The experiences in both clubs have provided him with networking opportunities, friends and support.

“Being in these clubs strengthens my relationships and connections to MCC itself,” he said. “Comparing my experience here to my friends at a four-year school, we have more access to our advisors and professors.”

While Olasedidun balances working with attending classes, he makes sure to leave time to practice guitar. After completing both Guitar I and Guitar II with faculty member Raley Beggs, Olasedidun continued with one-on-one lessons. He credits Beggs for helping him find a space to reach his music dreams.

Calling playing guitar “my breath of fresh air,” Olasedidun is grateful to have the chance to focus on both becoming a nurse and a guitarist at MCC.

“Middlesex is the right choice for me,” he said. “It takes time, and you have to be determined to succeed. The dream of the destination is a very good motivator, and I use that to push myself.”