At MCC, International Student Is Getting Her Chance for an Educat

Even before the college she was attending in her home country of Sudan shut down due to political issues, Esra Eisa was not being supported as a young woman studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Although her family did not want her to study abroad, she was determined and got a U.S. visa to prove to them that she was serious about her education.

Now studying Mechanical Engineering at Middlesex Community College, Eisa is “breaking a generational cycle” and pursuing her lifelong goal of earning a college degree.

Upon arriving to the U.S. in January 2020, Middlesex was an easy choice for Eisa. By starting at a community college, she was able to lower the cost of her tuition and attend a school with strong connections to four-year institutions in Boston. MCC was also one of the only places who would accept her so close to the beginning of the Spring semester, and Eisa was ready to get started.

“As a girl of 19-years-old, by herself and without her family, the transition to the U.S. was huge,” she said. “It was a new life, new country, new continent, new people and new system. MCC was the perfect place to assist me both academically and personally.”

At MCC, Eisa worked on improving her English language and computer skills, connected with classmates and faculty, and participated in events and clubs around campus. However, the combination of the pandemic striking mid-semester, still getting used to her new environment, and dealing with mental health struggles was overwhelming.

Although her family asked her to come home, Eisa made what she considers “the hardest decision in my life” and stayed at MCC and in the country. Reaching out to her professors and finding mental health resources at the college helped her manage to stay on track with her coursework.

“MCC supported me and I managed to control my anxiety and get better,” she said. “MCC was the best fit to help me in coping with this big transition. It was a safe and encouraging place to learn.”

Two professors in particular helped Eisa through her adjustment to the U.S. higher education system, English Professor Anahit T. Shahinian and Physics Professor John Smith, who is also her academic advisor. With their guidance, Eisa was able to build upon her skills and set herself up for success. “I believe I have the skills to succeed,” she said, “but I needed direction.”

In choosing to study a STEM field, her long-term goals include helping to advocate for and empower girls, particularly from Sudan, to follow a similar path. Eisa is interested in working in higher education to fix systems that keep women from getting opportunities and support in Sudan. Her hope is also to further hone her research skills and develop an engineering company that will help work on “the many challenges my country faces, like energy and infrastructure.”

“After developing my skills and broadening my knowledge, I feel the need to give back to my community,” she said. “I consider myself privileged for getting education in the United States.”

At Middlesex, Eisa is getting first-hand experience that will help her reach her future goals. As a math tutor and Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader in MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), she is mentoring and helping other students. One of her responsibilities is to oversee the Lowell Math Center, which she has done since the Fall 2021 semester.

This is the first job Eisa has ever held and she feels as though she is learning as much as she is providing, including developing her soft skills, study strategies and teaching techniques. Eisa has also been an active participant of the monthly trainings and workshops MCC offers to help tutors prepare for their role.

“My position at ACE is one of the best experiences I’ve had since I came to the U.S.,” she said. “It helped me better manage my time, manage my classes and learn new study strategies.”

Everything she has been a part of at Middlesex has been a learning opportunity for Eisa. In addition to tutoring, she is an active member of the Model Aviation Club and Pathfinder Starter Academy, and the co-leader for the African Cultural Club. She also participates in events related to the International Club and STEM.

“Being active while in college is so beneficial,” Eisa said. “It helped me personally to grow intellectually, make connections, meet people, strengthen my communication skills, apply my knowledge outside of the classroom, and find good career opportunities.

Whether she is keeping busy at school with her academics and extracurriculars, or thinking of her future plans, Eisa believes in the value of engaging in her community and giving back. Doing so “is essential to better understand its problems and participate in fixing those problems,” she said.

Looking ahead to her time after Middlesex, Eisa is applying to four-year institutions in the area to continue her studies. MCC is her “bridge” to adjusting to education in the U.S., and has provided her with academic, job, club, workshop and networking opportunities that have “helped me to grow.”

“I came to this country knowing nothing, but all I knew was I will get to wherever I set my eyes on and I will never stop fighting,” she said. “I’m my best self right now, still fighting to do big things.”

Part of the STEM pathway, the Mechanical Engineering 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!