Middlesex CC Scholarship Winner Looks Forward to a Bright Future

Julia Gaitho defines success as “something that is going to bring genuine happiness and aid in fulfilling life’s purpose.” Having moved to Lowell from Nairobi, Kenya with her family in 2008, Gaitho is now a Psychology and Social Science student at Middlesex Community College.

All of the experiences she has had at Middlesex – the opportunities she has been provided, knowledge she has gained, and the activities she has joined – have helped redefine what success, and her path to it, mean to her.

One of these experiences includes being the first student awarded MCC’s Presidential Equity Promise Scholarship. In addition to enhancing her future prospects, the scholarship has already brought her more opportunities to succeed and network in her field of study.

“This scholarship opportunity has really opened doors for me, it’s also assured me to be able to finish school successfully,” Gaitho said. “Also knowing the scholarship was founded for students who are part of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community really showed how alert MCC is and their value for diversity, representation and the success of BIPOC students.”

Established in honor of Phil Sisson becoming the college’s fifth president, the scholarship intends to assist BIPOC students to achieve their dream of a college education and close financial aid gaps in expenses related to completing their MCC program.

Middlesex – and all that the college offers – is helping Gaitho make her own dreams come true.

Participating in MCC’s events and organizations have exposed her to different types of activities, while allowing her to “show up fully for myself.” A member of the National Honors Society and Leadership Program, TRIO Student Success Program, and the new Student SUCCESS Scholars Program, she is also part of the Sisterhood Club, which started in the Fall 2021 semester.

According to Gaitho, the club “caters to BIPOC women on campus and creates an environment for us to be successful.”

“These different groups have provided a safe environment for me to grow and strive at MCC,” she said. “The overall experience has been amazing. I have been able to apply what I learn. Joining these groups has really shown me that there are various types of success.”

Calling her experience at the college “unmatched,” getting an education at Middlesex has provided her with positive changes toward her educational path, including learning relevant knowledge that will help her inside and outside of the classroom about topics related to her major.

All of the information she is gaining in her classes – particularly Psychology – have provided a foundation that she believes will lend to her future success at her transfer institution. Gaitho has also been guided by professors who care about her journey and have created a safe space in which to learn and process information that both challenges her and helps her grow.

“Throughout all my school journey, I have never had professors or teachers invested in me as much as my MCC professors have,” she said. “They have pushed me to show interest and put in extra effort to my classes and I have seen great results and success.”

One professor in particular who has made a difference in Gaitho’s journey is Danijela Jackson, an MCC Social Science adjunct faculty member. As the summer course was online without specific meeting times, Gaitho has never met Jackson in person, but hopes to at some point.

While thus far, they have only communicated virtually via email and through MCC’s online learning systems, Gaitho was still able to appreciate Jackson’s patience and devotion to her students. The support helped get her through the class and led to a letter of recommendation.

To Gaitho, Jackson “is amazing and truly a blessing to MCC” and is someone who “really cared about my success" – a common thread during her time at the college.

Her experience in classes and around campus have combined to create a foundation Gaitho looks forward to building upon in her next steps, including taking advantage of MCC’s MassTransfer program and transitioning into a Massachusetts state university or college. The program will allow her to make a smooth transfer “without losing credits or falling behind” – another benefit of having started at a community college.

In the beginning, Gaitho chose to attend Middlesex because the Lowell campus was close to home and allowed her to balance her studies with work. Now nearing her final year at MCC, Gaitho feels “transformed” by the growth she has undergone in a safe space.

“MCC has created a positive environment for me, as well as quality education at an affordable rate,” she said. “It is a big accomplishment to say that I got my first degree debt-free.”

Part of the Social Science pathway, the Psychology 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_socsci.aspx to discover a path to a career in STEM 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!