Middlesex Community College: Recent MCC Graduate Supported By Professors And Community

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

7/13/2021

A recent graduate from Middlesex Community College, Odette Pinales is thankful for her education. Middlesex taught her the importance of advocating for herself, getting involved in the community, and taking advantage of opportunities. As she prepares to transfer to a four-year college, she said she had “a great and interesting ride” at MCC.

From the Dominican Republic and now living in Lawrence, Pinales came to MCC because of the variety of course options, ability to meet new people, and positive recommendations from family and friends.

Having acted as a Student Marshal for the 2021 virtual Commencement ceremony, Pinales flourished during her time at Middlesex. She graduated with highest honors and as a member of MCC’s honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. Although shy by nature, she enjoyed being active in the community, including by participating in Bible Club.

“I have learned that people won’t really know who you are if you don’t get yourself involved and out there,” she said. “MCC taught me to take risks and take opportunities that might show up unexpectedly because you don’t know the people you can bless along the way.”

As a Graphic Design major, Pinales had professors who were well-prepared, provided relevant feedback, and pushed her to do her best. Her professors Jeanne Cronin and Joe Eiler in particular showed her “opportunities I would’ve never thought I would have.” This helped to develop her confidence as she continues on her journey.

“Professors are so understanding,” she said. “The school is very student-centered, which is great and makes you feel heard and understood.”

While she plans to continue studying Graphic Design at her transfer institution, she is interested in minoring in Fine Arts because of MCC professor Angela Ales. In addition to inspiring her love of art, Pinales appreciated that Ales was also bilingual and pushed her to work hard.

“She is very genuine and if she saw your potential and you weren’t going full force on your work, she would tell you,” Pinales said. “I felt like she understood me and she felt like a mentor to me.”

When classes shifted to online formats because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pinales had trouble with the internet reaching her room and her computer freezing on her when she was trying to participate in class. After turning to her professors for support – who Pinales believed “moved mountains” for her – she was able to loan one of the college’s computers and a Wi-Fi hotspot. She then went on to “have a better experience with online classes.”

Middlesex understands that students have different needs and preferences in regards to class formats. In response, the college is featuring more face-to-face classes on both the Bedford and Lowell campuses for the Fall 2021 semester. Whether on campus, online or a hybrid mix of both, MCC is providing students with the flexibility and support to help them reach their goals.

For Pinales, Middlesex built a foundation that will help her in her future academics, as well as in her personal and professional life. She wants to continue developing her skills and growing “in every aspect of my life.”

“It feels like a relief to be graduating,” she said. “I will definitely miss MCC and the wonderful people here. It’s definitely a bittersweet thought because I made some good friends and connections with professors, and I know I will miss the great community here.”

The Art and Design program at MCC helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/art/ for more information and to discover your path at Middlesex.

If you have ever taken a class at MCC, you are an alum! To share your story – and join the free Alumni Association – contact Amy Lee, Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations, at 978-656-3028 or leea@middlesex.mass.edu. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/alumni for more information.

Students can get back on track and reach their goals with a variety of options in MCC’s Fall 2021 semester. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.