2020 Graduate Credits MCC for Helping Her Become a Leader

When Linda Nara came to the United States from Cambodia, she set out to become a leader. Though she was shy and lacked confidence, she kept telling herself she had to set an example for her sisters, her peers and for herself. At Middlesex Community College, she succeeded.

Nara found friendship and connection at MCC’s Asian American Center, which helped her adjust to her new home. In those first few weeks of starting school, she felt homesick and alone, but she said, “seeing myself reflected in the staff made me feel motivated.”

“Coming to Middlesex is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “Had I not chosen MCC, I would not have had these enriched experiences, I would not have met my friends. I would not have met the amazing people at the Asian Connections Center or all the people who have helped me.”

As she grew comfortable at the school, she started becoming more involved. Nara has served as president of the International Club, is an active member of Asian Students in Alliance (A.S.I.A.), and is a student Orientation Leader and tutor in the Writing Center.

One of her greatest accomplishments at the school was being awarded a scholarship from the Chelly Foundation. When she went back to visit Cambodia, she met with the organization and spoke to young students about her experience at Middlesex and going to school in the U.S. – an adventure she highly recommends.

For the 2019-2020 academic year, The MCC Board of Trustees named Nara the Student Trustee. She was proud to be the first female Cambodian student to be awarded this honor at Middlesex.

As Student Trustee – and a member of the Multicultural Club – Nara attended events as a representative of the college. Taking her oath at the Statehouse in front of Governor Charlie Baker and speaking in front of W. Patrick Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, when he visited the college were two of her biggest accomplishments during her time as Student Trustee.

These moments helped Nara gain confidence and work on her networking skills, as well as understand the importance of diversity. Being involved in other events and clubs on campus meant learning from her peers who come from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences. This helped shape her worldview.

“MCC loves diversity,” she said. “We celebrate diversity and everyone is welcome here, regardless of where you are from. Once you step foot in here, you are part of the community. That’s what makes me feel like I belong here and I could reach my potential here.”

One of Nara’s missions is to be a leader in fighting for women’s rights. Last year, she worked with Colleen Cox, MCC’s Chief Administrative Officer, to advocate for having female hygiene products available on the Bedford and Lowell campuses. As president of the International Club, she also helped promote International Women’s Day at the college.

At Middlesex, she enjoys the way people help each other– from classmates to faculty and staff. The “family-oriented” environment at the college, she believes, helps people reach their potential.

In one of her English classes with Professor Joseph Nardoni, she wrote an essay on self-actualization and the idea that people become the best versions of themselves when they are in a supportive environment resonated with her. She is also grateful to Professors David Kalivis, Cathy McCarron and Binnur Ercem for their classes and support.

Nara leaves Middlesex with a solid understanding of her personal and professional purpose. She credits her studies, her professors and her experiences in student clubs and organizations for preparing her for what comes next.

“I am absolutely going to miss this place,” she said. “I have learned a lot. Graduating means I built a solid grounding for my path. I have worked hard. I have used my time here wisely and got the most out of it. And I’m ready to get on to another stage of my path.”

She graduates with an associate degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences with a History, Politics and Global Studies Concentration. Nara is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. She expects to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Global Studies before launching a diplomatic career in the future.

“Community college students are hard workers,” she said. “We chase our dreams. Each and every one of us come from a very interesting background. We all have struggles in life. We all have responsibilities. You can work and get a degree at the same time. It’s awesome!”

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!