In an effort to enhance mental health and wellness services offered to students, Middlesex Community College hired Michael Chan, of Somerville, as a counseling intern in the Wellness Resource Center (WRC). A graduate student at William James College (WJC), Chan will assist students with their physical and mental health, helping to guide them with their academic and personal goals.
“I want to make mental health more accessible and support the college’s students,” Chan said. “My responsibility as an intern is to help build a safe environment and validate students’ lived experiences. I hope that my efforts can bring more awareness to the support services available on both campuses.”
In his role with the WRC, he will primarily meet with students one-on-one for short term counseling. For students in need of greater support, Chan can help provide referrals to specialized treatments or longer-term programming through community partners.
Originally from Hong Kong, Chan moved to Washington and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Boston University in 2016. Soon after, he worked for the Public Schools of Brookline in 2018 as a Communications Specialist. As he wrote newsletters, emails and social media posts to students, families and staff, he became interested in connecting with others on a deeper level.
“My responsibility as an intern is to help build a safe environment and validate students’ lived experiences. I hope that my efforts can bring more awareness to the support services available on both campuses.” - Michael Chan, MCC Wellness Resource Center Counseling Intern
Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Brookline community, Chan grew an interest in the mental health profession. As he witnessed how difficult it was for everyone to adjust and cope with the situation, he wanted to learn how he could help those who were impacted.
“The effects of COVID-19 made me reckon my own understanding of mental health,” Chan said. “At that time, people were going through a lot and needed support. I started to understand how affecting the experience can be, especially in the context of my own struggles. Having to respond to the mental health concerns of the broader community ultimately sparked my passion to assist and interact with people more directly.”
To explore his new interest and a different career path, Chan started pursuing his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022. As he completes his studies at WJC, Chan will intern at MCC through May.
After graduating from WJC, he wants to work with adults and continue counseling in a school environment. Students can connect with him virtually or in-person in the Enrollment Center on the Bedford Campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays, as well as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays at the WRC on the Lowell Campus.
“I am excited to join the MCC community,” Chan said. “There are a lot of ambitious changes happening as I arrive, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute. Over the next few months, I hope I can immerse myself in the community college experience and the impact they leave for our students. I look forward to supporting folks on their respective mental health journeys and being a helpful presence!”