Starting his time at Middlesex Community College in the Early College program at Lowell High School (LHS), Nnadubem Ganobi jumped at the chance to earn college credit while still in high school. A more affordable option than going straight to a four-year school, he decided to continue at Middlesex to study computer science. At MCC, he found access to supportive mentors, resources and experiences to be successful.
“My time at Middlesex Community College was nothing short of transformative,” Ganobi said. “That experience was the perfect stepping-stone into higher education, and it gave me the confidence to continue my journey. Through the program, I learned the importance of taking risks and reaching out to opportunities.”
By connecting with resources and support at Middlesex, Ganobi received an internship with Tripadvisor in the summer of 2025. Working with the company’s Information Technology (IT) department to support employees, he gained experience setting up and troubleshooting computers, as well as helping modernize Tripadvisor’s systems.
Fascinated by technology and how it changes over time, Middlesex taught Ganobi more about coding and working with hardware. His internship at Tripadvisor allowed him to use the knowledge and skills he learned in his classes and apply them in a relevant work environment.
“More than anything, the internship taught me how important teamwork and communication are in a professional setting,” Ganobi said. “MCC prepared me for that experience by giving me a strong foundation in problem-solving, time management and confidence.”
When he first learned about MCC’s Early College program at LHS, Ganobi did not think he had the confidence or skills to be successful. Wanting to make his college applications more competitive, he started by registering for Dual Enrollment classes offered at LHS for free and went on to join the Early College Promise program.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, he was named to the Early College Policy Fellowship by the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College. As part of the fellowship, Ganobi created an advocacy campaign to inform the community about the benefits of the program. He also wrote an Op-Ed promoting early access to college.
Guided by mentors at Middlesex, Ganobi also participated in several on-campus organizations. These include MCC’s SUCCESS Scholars Program, Commonwealth Honors Program and African Cultural Club, as well as being named a Juniper Networks Scholar. The experiences provided him with increased leadership opportunities and the chance to represent MCC within the community.
“What I loved most about MCC was the supportive environment and the opportunities I had to get involved,” Ganobi said. “These groups gave me a sense of belonging, helped me grow as a leader, and connected me with other students who shared similar goals.”
A member of the 2024-2025 Phi Theta Kappa All-Massachusetts Academic Team and the National Society of Leadership and Success, Ganobi graduated from Middlesex in 2024 with high honors. Taking advantage of MassTransfer, he continued his studies at UMass Lowell where he is earning a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. He credits Middlesex for guiding him on his path.
“MCC gave me so much more than an education,” he said. “It gave me opportunities, mentors, and a sense of direction. My advice to other students is to stay ambitious and don’t be afraid to seek out opportunities. MCC is full of them, and they can open doors you might not expect.”