MCC “Opened a Lot of Doors” for Creative Writing Student

Looking for an accessible and affordable education, 26-year-old student Willow Kelley, of Lowell, found community and inspiration at Middlesex Community College. Part of MCC’s creative writing program, Kelley represented the college at the MassPoetry Intercollegiate Poetry Showcase in April 2026.

“I feel honored to represent the later-starting students at the showcase,” Kelley said. “I got to meet a bunch of other really cool, talented poets and make connections. MCC gave me an opportunity I never thought I would have and has opened a lot of doors for me already.”

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Hosted by Bunker Hill Community College, the 2026 MassPoetry showcase gave undergraduate students from the Greater Boston area the chance to see their written work in print while connecting with peers and local writers. Student participants are nominated and guided by professors to write poetry and share their finished works with an audience during the showcase reception.

Kelley shared their poem titled “SCHOOL NIGHT” at the showcase. The poem centered on their personal mental journey from childhood to the present. MCC English and Creative Writing professor Tom Laughlin sought Kelley out for the showcase after seeing the strength of their writing in classes. Working with Laughlin’s guidance was a valuable experience for Kelley. In addition to finding a mentor in Laughlin, Kelley feels supported by MCC English professors Jonathan Bennett and William Ramirez as they continue their studies.

“I value the experience MCC has brought me,” Kelley said. “Staff and faculty have been excellent with my many inquiries over the last two semesters. I have made plenty of connections I wouldn't have otherwise.”

Since childhood, Kelley has been encouraged to pursue their love of writing into a career. When a previous college experience did not work out due to financial challenges, MCC made it possible for them to continue their education and pursue their childhood dreams. The academic freedom MCC offered Kelley encouraged them to participate in the showcase and to pursue a variety of unique writing opportunities.

“I have always been a big reader, with a somewhat too-big imagination when it came to what I wanted to become as I grew up,” Kelley said. “Despite the derailing of my education, I still wanted to be a writer of some kind at 25. I thought I might as well give it a shot, even if it meant I kept my steady warehouse job while I did it.”

Before enrolling at MCC, Kelley worked 50-hour workweeks and did not have time to focus on their passion for writing. They appreciate MCC’s flexible education options that allows them to study while balancing work commitments. MCC’s faculty and community provide Kelley the support they needed to revive their passion for writing.

“Middlesex gives me the ability to be a person again,” Kelley said. “I get to learn while not spending insane amounts of money, and I get to keep my job to continue saving. I hope more people in the future join the program and get to see all the hard work and love that goes into editing and marketing yourself as a writer.”

Kelley is honing their writing skills in classes such as the Creative Writing and Publishing capstone course. In the course, they served as a writer and editor for the 11th edition of MCC’s literary magazine, the Dead River Review (DRR). Led by Laughlin, Kelley enjoyed collaborating with peers and gaining hands-on experience in the writing, editing and publishing industry.

Building on the skills they have learned at Middlesex, Kelley hopes to continue pursuing writing, editing and publishing as a career in the future. They will work with with their academic advisor to plan their next steps before graduating to learn more about their options after MCC.

“MCC motivated me to work toward something and, as cheesy as it sounds, to believe in myself,” Kelley said. “Education is not linear; there is no shame in starting later. Community college is underrated!”

Learn more about MCC’s creative writing programs.