MCC Helped Nursing Student Discover a Future Career in Health

Rhaisa Rhoden enrolled at Middlesex Community College for economic reasons. However, in addition to saving money as she launched her college career, the Chelmsford resident also found her voice and embarked on a future career in health care.

“I became comfortable with myself because Middlesex is a judgment-free zone and it made me come out of my bubble,” said Rhoden, 22. “Now, I am not afraid of making my voice heard.”

Registration is now open for MCC spring-semester courses – including Health courses. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 22, in Bedford and Lowell, and online; call 1-800-818-3434.

Rhoden, who is studying Nursing and Psychology, credits Academic Counselor Ivette Caletz and Advising Coordinator Winny Oyamo-Twomby with encouraging her to enroll in the Health Academic Pathway. That decision allowed Rhoden to begin taking courses that fulfilled graduation requirements in a variety of degree programs within the health field, while she narrowed down her choice of a major program of study.

“Not only were my advisors receptive to my decisions and goals, they both took the time to really listen to what I had to say,” she said. “I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people’s lives.

“I believe nursing is one of the most interesting and growing careers available today, and I enjoy the difference I can make in any patient’s experience.”

But it has not been an easy road for Rhoden, who did not pass “Anatomy and Physiology” the first time she took it. “I felt I had failed as a science major,” she said, adding that she considered changing majors and scrapping her plans.

But Rhoden did not run in the face of adversity. She repeated the course, taking advantage of academic-support programs available on campus. “With help from tutors in the Tutoring Center, I passed the course and overcame my challenge,” she said, proudly.

If all goes as planned, after graduating with an associate degree in Nursing this spring, Rhoden hopes to transfer to UMass Lowell to earn a bachelor’s degree – and possibly a master’s degree – in nursing and psychology.

Beyond academics at Middlesex, Rhoden has been active in clubs and activities – and has become a campus leader. As a work-study student in the Multicultural Center, she enjoyed helping students with homework and participating in clubs such as MAPP (Multicultural Achievement Peer Program) and Latinos Unidos.

Rhoden also served as a First-year Experience Champion, a Peer Mentor, and a Pathways to Success Leader. She was also a Student Leader at New-Student Orientation. That position allowed her to give incoming students tours of campus, as well as first-hand advice about how to be successful at MCC.

“These experiences have changed my life because they have given me the potential to become a leader and open doors for new opportunities,” said Rhoden.

To learn more about MCC’s Nursing Program – or other programs of study in the Health Pathway – visit: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/admissionrequirements/health.aspx or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!