Middlesex CC Helps Student Learn and Hone New Skills

“A lot of people have a straight path, but I’m not like that,” said Lauren Yee, of Chelmsford. “I have a bunch of things that I enjoy.” Now a student at Middlesex Community College, Yee is learning and honing skills she can carry on to whichever path she chooses to take next.

After graduating from high school, Yee did take a traditional path to a four-year school where she started studying theatre. While she enjoyed her acting classes, she did not feel ready to commit to a major and decided to hold off on continuing her education.

Instead, Yee opted for experience. Through AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), she had a variety of positions, including volunteering in schools, cutting down dead trees in the woods, and working on technical projects. She also held different jobs on cruise ships and now works with children in Bedford.

For her time volunteering, the AmeriCorps awarded Yee money to take college classes. She had a few options in mind, but was drawn to Middlesex because she could take more classes with the funds she was given. The reviews of the college’s professors – particularly those of Dr. Jennifer Bauer, MCC’s Communication, Art and Design Department Chair – finalized her decision.

“When measured in what I was looking at, Middlesex made more sense,” Yee said. “Not just cost-wise, but because the learning experience would be better. I want to learn how to do stuff. I want to be able to touch film equipment and learn how to understand things.”

In MCC’s Communication program, Yee is learning from Bauer on how to put her art into practice. Middlesex has provided her with a safe space in which to create art, including filmmaking, designing book covers, shooting photography, and working on an audiobook.

In addition to hands-on projects, Yee has benefitted from pre-recorded lectures she can refer to after class and open book tests which “make sure you actually know the stuff.” Bauer’s method, Yee believes, helps students learn as much information as possible to improve skills they will be using in the industry.

“Jen’s very okay with it being people’s first time making film projects,” Yee said. “Jen’s into making mistakes in order to learn because she’s been through the film process before. She knows what it is, and when you have problems, you can talk them through with her.”

Wanting to learn even more useful skills, Yee has already registered for a graphic design course in addition to a video production class for MCC’s Spring 2022 semester. She is hoping to add the skills she will learn in these classes to the tool set she is building this semester.

From script writing to creating story boards, editing to filming, and incorporating light and sound into videos, MCC’s Communication department has been helping Yee “develop an artistic mind.” She is excited to take these technical and communications skills she has learned at Middlesex to other projects and jobs she might take on in the future.

“I kind of just do things so that when it feels right, I’ll have the right skills to move forward with it,” she said. “At community colleges, you can pick up different skills to take with you. If you have the right teacher, you end up wanting to learn everything.”

Part of the Arts and Humanities pathway, the Communication 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_artshum.aspx to discover a path to a career in Communications at Middlesex.

Registration for MCC’s Wintersession and Spring 2022 semester – starting on Monday, January 3 and Monday, January 24 – are now open. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information and to register for classes.

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!