Middlesex CC Helped International Student Find Her Path

When Apitchaya Ramirez first arrived from Bangkok, Thailand to the United States to start her college journey, she was afraid it would be overwhelming. She chose Middlesex Community College for its small class sizes and the ability to connect with her professors and classmates on a personal level. Instead of feeling lost, MCC’s welcoming environment helped her feel comfortable as she adjusted to her new circumstances.

“As an international student, I did not want to jump right into a big university because I felt I wasn’t ready academically and financially,” Ramirez said. “MCC was affordable – but not only that – it was filled with valuable academic resources and support that prepared me for my future.”

Ramirez – who now lives in Malden – worked as an au pair when she first came to the U.S. and started at Middlesex in the Adult Learning Center where she improved her English, math and digital literacy skills. When she felt more prepared, she started taking courses to go towards an associate degree and participating in more events and clubs across campus. MCC helped her learn what she wanted to pursue both academically and professionally.

As a History, Politics and Global Studies major, Ramirez graduated from MCC in 2017 and transferred to UMass Lowell. For her bachelor’s degree, she studied Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in American Studies. After graduating in Spring 2020, she decided to serve as an AmeriCorps member in the New American Integration Program (NAIP) at Somerville Community Corporation.

“I participated in many leadership programs at MCC which allowed me to become more confident and develop other skills, such as organization, time management, team work and professionalism,” she said. “I found that these skills were important after MCC as they were part of my success in college, later on when I graduated from UML, and in my career.”

During her time at MCC, Ramirez participated in the International Club and First Year Champion, as well as worked as an Orientation Leader, Peer Facilitator and Peer Mentor for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative Program. A member of the Commonwealth Honors Program, she enjoyed participating in the Annual Honors Conference and attended many events on campus, including Orientation Day, the MCC International Thanksgiving Dinner, and other Welcome Month events.

Her favorite courses the honors program offered were in the social sciences – a seminar on Globalization with Professor Binnur Ercem and a seminar on World Cultures taught by professor Dr. David Kalivas. She also credits professors Dona Cady, Robert Kaulfuss and Stephanie Pesce for “going above and beyond” in support of her success. With a heavy reading requirement and research projects, Ramirez believes her courses were intense, but engaging.

“I got to present two research projects from honors courses at the Annual Honors Conference in 2016 and 2017 which I was very proud of my works,” she said. “Looking back, these honors course I took were so important for me as I learned to challenge and put myself off my limit.”

As part of the International Fellowship, Ramirez had an opportunity to travel to the UK and Ireland with nine students and three faculty members. She is appreciative of the faculty who attended with her – Cathy McCarron, Dona Cady and Donna Gray – as well as Maria McDuffie Clark who “gave me the opportunities to join many leadership positions at MCC.”

“People at MCC – professors, staff, other students – are there to help you succeed not only in college, but also in life,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about getting lost in this community because there are resources and guidance available for you from day one.”

While taking courses, Ramirez was also working full-time. The secret to her success was time management. To balance her schedule, she worked the afternoon shift and would take three classes in the morning, along with one online course. She also said it was important to focus on what she was doing at the time – whether she was in class or at work. If she needed extra help, Ramirez would also visit her professors or take some time with a tutor.

To help her manage her stress, she said, “I always gave myself a half-day break each week, just to decompress.”

Now part of MCC’s Alumni Association, Ramirez continues to receive benefits from Middlesex, including a community connection and network of support. She also enjoys recommending MCC to others.

“Whether you’re a high school student, college student who takes a gap year or still deciding what you want to do, or an adult learner, every penny is worth your investment in education at MCC,” she said. “I guarantee that regardless of what stage you are in life, MCC is a place for everyone.”

Whether going for an associate degree, earning credits towards an advanced degree or upgrading skills, MCC has students covered with 10+ degree and certificate programs in Social Science – including anthropology, economics and finance, geography, history, human services, international relations, peace and conflict studies, political science, pre-law, psychology and sociology.

MCC’s Social Science program helps students go into the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_socsci.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a Social Science degree at Middlesex.

Registration is open for both MCC’s WinterSession and Spring Semester. WinterSession runs January 4-22. The Spring semester starts January 26. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for classes.

MCC is celebrating 50 years! If you have ever taken a class at MCC, you are an alum! To share your story – and join in on the 50th anniversary celebrations – contact Amy Lee, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at 978-656-3028 or leea@middlesex.mass.edu. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/alumni/ for more information and to join the Alumni Association.

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 80 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