Nursing Alumna & Marine Vet Turned to MCC for a Fresh Start

At Middlesex Community College, Victoria Otero found a built-in system of support at the college’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC). A veteran of the United States Marines, Otero came to Middlesex for a career change. She chose MCC’s Nursing program and believes her experience with the VRC helped set her up for success.

“The VRC is a place to meet with fellow veterans who may be experiencing difficulty returning to an educational environment,” she said. “It allows us to make connections with our fellow comrades in arms. Serving in the military is a unique experience – we share a bond – and no matter what branch we may have served, we can all come together as one at the VRC.”

During her time at MCC, she made a point to visit the VRC at least every other week to check-in. Calling the VRC a “positive environment” for veterans, Otero believes the center guided her on how to access the resources and opportunities available to her. She believes the success of the center starts with Jessica Frost, MCC’s Director of the VRC.

“She was instrumental to my success at MCC,” she said. “She always pointed me in the right direction, and if I needed words of encouragement, she knew exactly what to say. She is truly dedicated to the veterans at MCC and is essential to our success.”

With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration already in hand, Otero chose MCC’s Nursing program for its high first-time passing rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and reputation for honing the skills of well-prepared graduates.

Otero started at MCC by taking prerequisite courses. Although her courses challenged her, MCC professors were valuable mentors who guided her and her classmates through the program. In particular, Dr. Jean Cremins – who taught many of her prerequisites – further inspired her interest in medical science, and Nursing Professor Kate Small was dedicated to supporting students with her interactive teaching style.

In addition to receiving support from the VRC, Otero took advantage of student-led tutoring and one-on-one tutoring sessions with professors. She also enjoyed the Supplemental Instruction program, believing it gave her the added confidence and knowledge to succeed in her courses.

A member of the Veterans Club, Otero was also President of the Nurse Club. Although the trip was canceled due to the pandemic, she raised funds to go with some club members to the Student Nurses Convention in Disney World.

From Salem, Mass., Otero lived in Puerto Rico for a number of years before returning to Massachusetts. She graduated from MCC in May 2020 and has started an RN-to-BSN program at UMass Dartmouth in addition to beginning her first job as a nurse in a rehabilitation hospital.

Thankful for an “awesome experience” that helped prepare her for her career as a nurse, Otero encourages MCC students to continue their education during these difficult times.

“Stay strong and don’t lose sight of your educational goals,” she said. “MCC will prepare you well for what lies ahead.”

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/veteransresources/ for more information on how MCC supports veteran and military-connected students.

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!