From Cambodia and now living in Lowell, Meily Sy came to Middlesex Community College to advance in her career in Information Technology (IT). MCC’s flexible course options, supportive faculty, and variety of support services make it possible for Sy to balance taking classes with working full-time, participating in activities outside of the classroom, and participating in clubs and events around campus.
“I chose MCC because it provides the resources and opportunities I need to grow both personally and professionally,” Sy said. “My education from MCC has laid a strong foundation for reaching my career goals by providing both technical training and real-world experience. With the knowledge, skills and support I’ve gained here, I feel well-prepared to take the next steps toward a successful career in IT and beyond.”
In MCC’s IT networking and user support program, Sy’s professors offer engaging classes and assistance to make complex topics easier to understand. Through their guidance, she feels more comfortable stepping outside of her comfort zone, asking questions, and thinking critically – all of which have boosted her confidence and deepened her interest in the field.
At Middlesex, Sy also benefits from a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are relevant to her industry. In addition to being able to learn from mistakes, she is strengthening her problem-solving, time management, communication and teamwork skills.
“These hands-on experiences are incredibly valuable because they bridge the gap between theory and practice,” Sy said. “In the online classroom, I learn the concepts, but through hands-on labs, simulations and real-world scenarios, I get to apply that knowledge in a meaningful way. They help build technical confidence, especially in areas like network configuration, troubleshooting and system support, where hands-on work is essential.”
A variety of clubs and activities around campus have also helped Sy be more successful in her career. As treasurer of the Business and Economics Club, she experienced managing budgets and tracking expenses, as well as planning events. While participating in discussions and workshops as part of the Cybersecurity Club, she networked with classmates and learned more about her field.
To build her leadership skills, Sy was a member of the Student Government Association where she represented the student voice and helped make decisions impacting the college community. At the 2025 DECA Regional Event, she received a silver medal after presenting for a panel of judges who work in the field.
“These activities have given me a well-rounded experience, helping me build skills in leadership, finance, communication and technology – all essential for a successful career in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world,” Sy said. “These experiences have helped me become more confident, adaptable and ready for workplace challenges. Each involvement has offered unique opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and technical skills – all of which support my goals in IT and business.”
Graduating from MCC in May 2025, the first-generation student will transfer to Northeastern University to earn a bachelor’s degree. MCC, Sy believes, “has been a launchpad for my goals.”
“My journey at MCC has helped me discover my strengths, explore different fields, and build a solid foundation for my future,” she said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about where I’m headed next.”