High School Student Enhancing Academics & Extracurriculars at MCC

As part of the Middlesex Community College Dual Enrollment program, Gautham Anoop, from Westford, is diving deeper into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). He is also participating in a variety of opportunities throughout the college that will set him up for long-lasting success – both at his transfer institution and in his career.

“I chose to come to Middlesex because I was looking to take more advanced coursess than those offered by my high school,” Anoop said. “MCC has allowed me to grow academically and get involved with things I would not have been able to do at my high school.”

An active Eagle Scout, Anoop has been interested in science since he was younger and enjoys the math that Chemistry involves. Due to his success in the course, Chemistry Professor Sophia Kazanis inspired Anoop to become a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader in the subject.

With Professer Kazanis’s assistance, Anoop was made aware of just one more of the opportunities available to him at Middlesex. “If it wasn’t for her,” he said, “then I would have never thought I was capable of tutoring others and might not be a student employee right now.”

Once he became an SI Leader for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), he started tutoring health students who need to take the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), designed specially to assess a student’s preparedness entering health science fields.

Understanding the value of opportunity, Anoop is also sharing his knowledge by helping classmates navigate college and take advantage of all that is available to them as part of MCC’s new Success Scholars Program. The focus of the program is to ensure that Black, African American, LatinX and LGBTQ+ students get the most out of their education at Middlesex.

As a Diversity Peer Educator, Anoop is supporting classmates by showing them resources at the college that will help them be successful. In his role, he builds relationships with other students to discuss interests, passions and academic goals, and helps them reach those goals.

Through the program, students are able to develop a stronger connection to the community, making them more likely to succeed – similar to what Anoop has learned from his own experience with Professor Kazanis. “I wanted to get involved with the Success program to make a difference on students,” he said. “Being involved at MCC allows me to connect with others.”

Another way in which Anoop is enhancing his education is by being part of MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP). In addition to allowing him to take more advanced classes – including for his Chemistry major – the Middlesex CHP is honing his research, critical thinking, and written and oral communication skills.

Getting to take MCC’s flexible and accelerated course options while still in high school has also been a benefit for Anoop. The courses “allow me to be more flexible with my schedule and get classes finished in shorter time frames,” he said.

In addition to completing online courses, he has also opted to register for three eight-week Mini-mester courses, a three-week Summer course, and two classes over winter break as part of the college’s WinterSession.

Planning to transfer to a four-year institution after finishing at Middlesex in Spring 2022, Anoop wants to study Chemical Engineering and improve conditions related to the environment. MCC has gotten him started by providing him with opportunities and experiences “to list on my resume that will help me increase my chances of academic and professional goals,

“I love MCC because of the people, the student employment opportunities available, and academic programs,” he said. “MCC has helped shape who I am today.”

Part of the STEM pathway, the Chemistry 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. For more information, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_stem.aspx to discover a path to a career in STEM at Middlesex.

Register now for MCC’s Spring Mini-mester II and Summer 2022 semesters. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information.

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 education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!