Middlesex CC Attends 10th Annual First Generation Summit

Middlesex Community College attended the 10th annual First Generation Summit at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on Saturday, November 5. Middlesex students and staff members as part of the college’s TRIO Student Success Program had the opportunity to share and listen to others’ college experiences as first generation students.

“We heard students’ voices, their struggles and experiences of attending four-year schools,” said Rina Tenore, MCC’s TRIO Student Success Program Advisor. “Our students have the opportunity to learn how to participate in a big conference, and learn about networking and what types of resources and scholarships are offered at four-year institutions. Knowing about these first generation initiatives help them decide where to transfer to after graduating from MCC.”

The first in-person event of its kind since the pandemic, over 250 participants from New England and some parts of the United States participated in the conference, according to Tenore. MCC was a community college representative among a majority of four-year colleges and universities.

Participants attended workshops and learned about the different types of support first generation students can find in college. MCC Human Services student Alicia Sirmopoulos, from Lowell, attended the event to network and find motivation from others’ experiences.

“On the day of the summit, I was that person who, after hearing all the speakers who have all experienced different levels of adversity, said if they can survive and come out the other side with a degree, so can I,” Sirmopoulos said. “The whole experience was fun and educational at the same time. Speaking about the hard times you experience and how you overcome them is great. You never know who will hear your story and decide if they can do it, so can I.”

MCC’s TRIO Student Success Program serves 200 low income and first generation college students and individuals with disabilities. Services include academic, career and financial advising; tutoring, study skill and self-improvement workshops; and transfer assistance.

Sirmopoulos came to MCC to pursue a field that provides the same help her and her son received when they needed it most. MCC’s Office of Admissions introduced her to the TRIO program, which showed her what it means to be a first generation student and how to be successful.

“I was very scared when I first started school – it was overwhelming and I was nervous about being a non-traditional student and not fitting in and making friends,” Sirmopoulos said. “TRIO has helped me so much on my journey. Anytime I have a problem, a question or need help with anything, I go to TRIO and they always help. The staff are so nice and the door is always open.”

Attending the First Generation Summit is just one way TRIO sets up students for success.

“Students really appreciate the opportunity to be part of this initiative,” Tenore said. “They gained confidence and knowledge that they too can be part of a change agent someday, inclusive of their identity and what type of undergraduate levels they attend.”