Middlesex Community College celebrated First Generation Day with a breakfast on Thursday, November 7. Hosted by MCC’s TRIO Student Success Program (SSP), the event was an opportunity for Middlesex to honor students who are the first in their families to attend college.
“I wanted to participate in the event to connect with other first generation students and to feel empowered in my identity as one,” said Chom Chan, an MCC psychology student from Lowell. “It’s important to be to part of a community that understands the unique experiences we share. TRIO has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.”
During the event, MCC hosted a panel with current and former first generation students and employees. This includes Stephanie Berardi, an MCC criminal and social justice alumna from Lowell, who transferred to Harvard.
Berardi returned to MCC because of how the college and TRIO program helped her reach her academic, professional and personal goals. Understanding the challenges first generation students face, Berardi wanted to share her experiences and insights to show students they are not alone in their journey.
“TRIO provided the foundation for my journey in higher education, as well as mentorship that changed my life,” Berardi said. “I gained valuable insights into navigating the complexities of college life. The program broke barriers in the academic world, such as language gaps and cultural misconceptions. I learned how to find and utilize resources that benefit first generation students. Becoming a part of the TRIO family allowed me to connect with peers who shared similar life experiences and goals. Overall, TRIO has helped me grow as a student and as a person by instilling the confidence to succeed in any academic environment, and the compassion to understand the different lenses and intersectionality people experience the world with.”
In addition to serving breakfast, attendees had the chance to play trivia and win prizes. Rina Saptaria Tenore, MCC’s Lead Advisor of TRIO SSP, was grateful to the MCC community for supporting the event and TRIO program. “Our common goal is to get our students the degree they always dreamed of," she said.
A federally funded program, TRIO SSP helps eligible students from the start of their time at Middlesex to graduation. The program provides students with access to academic, transfer and career advising; offers financial aid guidance; and assists students with earning good grades and reaching their goals.
“The TRIO Student Success Program has been at MCC since the early 1990s, serving thousands of first generation students and their families as we support them in their journey,” said Joanne Jaber Gauvin, MCC’s Director of TRIO SSP. “We are proud of this long-standing history here at mcc and the work that TRIO does and will continue to do with first generation students. TRIO works!”
After choosing to come to MCC, Chan joined TRIO SSP on the recommendation of an alumni and partner. Being part of the program has helped Chom stay organized, feel less overwhelmed by attending college, and stay on track to transfer to a four-year school.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my return to school is the importance of asking questions and seeking help when needed,” Chan said. “We’re truly not meant to navigate this journey alone. TRIO has made me feel safe, seen and supported every step of the way, and I’m so thankful for that.”