2026 Commencement Speaker Found Community at MCC

Before she graduates from high school, Amelia Smilovitz, of Chelmsford, will earn her associate degree from Middlesex Community College. Part of MCC’s Dual Enrollment program, she studied mechanical engineering to gain early hands-on experience in her field. She is one of two graduation speakers representing the class of 2026 at MCC’s Commencement held on Thursday, May 21 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

“Getting my associate degree as a high schooler puts me two years ahead of my college [experience], ensuring that I stand out and have a head start on career development,” Smilovitz said. “[As a speaker], it means that I get to represent and speak for the entire graduating class, and that I get to be the person who tells everyone how hard they've worked. I hope that my story inspires more people to attend community college.”

At Middlesex, Smilovitz discovered that learning happens in and outside of the classroom. To ease her transition from a high school environment to college, MCC helped her develop skills and habits to be successful. This includes being more engaged in the classroom, having more independence choosing classes, honing strategies to balance personal and professional responsibilities, and communicating with faculty and peers.

Smilovitz was also excited to find a community of people who were passionate about learning. In MCC’s Dual Enrollment program, she formed connections with others who shared her determination. Beyond the program, she enjoyed studying with others and meeting friends who came from different ages and stages in their lives.

“Before coming here, I didn't really understand what the ‘community’ in community college meant,” Smilovitz said. “If I'm being honest, I thought this was just a short stop in my educational journey. Now I know ‘community’ is the most important part of the name. It means you are surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed. It means your professors aren't just teaching material – they are truly excited by their subjects. It means you are comfortable enough to ask for help, and your peers are willing to help bridge the gap.”

Faculty members such as professor of mathematics Aisha Arroyo inspired Smilovitz during her time at MCC. From showing understanding when she was struggling to highlighting the resources available to her at the college, her professors impacted her experience for the better.

Participating in MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) also guided Smilovitz to success. As a student, she had access to student-led peer tutoring to help with assignments. In her role as an ACE Supplemental Instructor, she worked with classmates to improve in their calculus 2 class.

“My experience was valuable because I learned how to teach and explain better,” Smilovitz said. “Whether you joined ACE, became an SI, or are simply helping a classmate before an exam, those experiences matter. They prove that learning is not an individual endeavor – it's about supporting each other. That is what's truly special about Middlesex.”

Interested in problem solving and using computer aided design (CAD) software, Smilovitz chose to study mechanical engineering at both MCC and her high school. She will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology to continue pursuing the subject with a concentration in aerospace. A member of MCC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa two-year honors society, she graduates with highest honors.

Succeeding at MCC proved to her that she is ready to take her next steps.

“We didn't just gain college credits here,” Smilovitz said. “We gain independence, confidence and a community that has grown with us.My overall experience has been lovely. I would advise my future MCC students to be brave and take risks, and to go to every event and talk to your classmates.”