Alumna Credits MCC for Helping Her Return to College

Four years after graduating from UMass Amherst with her bachelor’s degree, Amy Fidalgo was still figuring out what she wanted to do for her career. She started researching Paralegal Studies programs, but was not ready to commit to anything expensive or long-term. Fidalgo found Middlesex Community College’s Paralegal Certificate matched what she was looking for best.

“The certificate program at MCC offers students an opportunity to learn at their own pace at a fraction of the cost of other surrounding schools,” she said. “A certificate program is a great way for students to learn if a particular career path or academic subject is interesting and fulfilling, prior to making a commitment to a four-year degree or graduate program.”

One of Fidalgo’s requirements was that the program be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and she was surprised when she found many schools did not have that credential. She also needed flexible class formats, including online and evening courses to fit her schedule. MCC met both requirements and had the added benefit of one of the college’s campuses being located in Fidalgo’s hometown of Bedford.

“My overall experience at MCC was very rewarding,” she said. “The option to take evening and online classes allowed me to continue my education while I worked full-time. The class sizes are intimate and conducive for students to build lasting relationships with professors and peers.”

MCC’s faculty and staff made a difference in her education. Fidalgo credits the dedication and hard work they put in to inspire students both personally and professionally. She is grateful for her professors’ “thoughtful” and “interesting” ways of teaching.

She names Judge Robert McKenna, Esq.; Matthew Demaras, Esq.; Linda Butterworth-Till, Esq.; and Halye Sugarman, Esq., MCC’s Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Paralegal Studies, in particular for making her education meaningful. They also helped her navigate her online classes to help set her up for success.

“The online portal for taking classes is easy to use and professors make the expectations of online courses clear and easy to follow,” she said. “Professors offering online courses also make themselves readily available via email for questions that arise.”

While Fidalgo was concerned about balancing her work responsibilities with coursework before starting at Middlesex, MCC eased her transition back to school.

“MCC was incredibly helpful in regards to taking classes and working at the same time,” she said. “I didn’t need to adjust my work hours because I was able to fulfill all of my required coursework through evening classes on the Bedford campus.”

Once she started, Fidalgo gained the confidence she needed to continue her education, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to help her succeed in the workforce. After graduating from MCC, she earned another certificate and got a master’s degree from Suffolk University.

Fidalgo believes now is the time for students to continue their education.

“By continuing their education, students can push themselves to learn, grow and better understand the world,” she said. “It allows them the opportunity to meet people they may have never met, and be part of a dialogue they otherwise may not have been a part of.”

There is still time to register for the Fall semester – including MCC’s Mini-mester II, an accelerated, eight-week session that starts November 2. For more information and to register for classes, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

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

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!