After revisiting a previous hobby of drawing while working in a healthcare role, Rachell Hiraldo, of Lawrence, realized a passion for art. Interested in a career change, she came to Middlesex Community College to study visual design. In the Fall 2024 semester, her artwork was selected for the poster of MCC’s production of Neil Simon’s award-winning play “Rumors.”
“I decided to take the risk and go back to school for something completely 
different than my original plan,” Hiraldo said. “Seeing my poster start from a very
simple sketch in my notebook and then have it come to life digitally was very rewarding
for me. When I saw that mine was chosen, I couldn’t help but feel very grateful and
proud of myself.”
Having her design chosen makes Hiraldo feel more certain of her abilities in her new field. For the contest, Hiraldo and her visual design classmates created posters to communicate the theme and tone of the play while appealing to a diverse audience. Hiraldo can now feature her winning design in her portfolio to show her ability to meet client expectations and engage with a specific audience, according to Jeanne Cronin, MCC’s Visual Design Program Coordinator
“Designing and winning the opportunity to create the play poster gives students a real-world glimpse into the professional design process, offering practical experience that can be applied to future projects and careers,” Cronin said. “This project challenges students to think critically about visual storytelling, composition, typography and branding. They must strategically use color theory, layout and typefaces to craft a design that is both visually compelling and informative, while also meeting the practical needs of the MCC theater department.”
Working with her professors also helped Hiraldo build confidence. Though all have made a positive impact on her experience at Middlesex, she credits Cronin and Professor Sally Dion in particular for their support and helping her stay motivated.
Though she had previous community college experience, Hiraldo wanted a change of scenery for her next stop on her academic journey. The visual design classes the college offers drew her to MCC’s program. Other benefits Middlesex provides include access to peer tutors and recent alumni now working in the field.
“The courses are perfectly curated to go into great depth in just a short amount of time and I would say they prepare me enough for future entry-level jobs,” Hiraldo said. “I have learned many new things, created many memories and made a bunch of connections.”
In addition to taking classes, Hiraldo is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). MCC’s chapter of the program assists students in honing leadership, communication and team building skills.
After graduating from Middlesex, she is interested in finding an entry-level job in the visual design field to gain experience. Hiraldo is also considering transferring to a four-year school to continue her studies. MCC has helped her get started in her new field.
“My education at MCC has helped me put my work out there for everyone to see,” Hiraldo said. “It will help me reach my goals of work exposure and being able to connect with other individuals that are interested in my art. My overall experience at MCC has been amazing!”