Perseverance is Key to Middlesex CC Business Major’s Success

When Kimeang Chhay first arrived to the United States from Takhmao, Cambodia in 2018, she was enrolled in Dracut High School as a senior because of her age. Without being fluent in English, Chhay passed her Math and English MCAS exams, but struggled with the Biology test. Without it, she was unable to graduate from high school on time.

Chhay was already accepted at Middlesex Community College but needed her diploma in order to start taking classes for her associate degree. Through Middlesex’s GED program, Chhay was able to improve her MCAS score to pass the test, earn her diploma and start regular classes. Despite the challenges that delayed her start, her perseverance kept her motivated.

“This shows that no matter how hard life gets, never quit and keep on moving forward,” she said. “Now I am a college student and an assistant at the Asian Center at Middlesex. I know there will be ups and downs, but I will fight through it and no matter what, I will graduate.”

A Business Administration Transfer major, Chhay hopes to graduate from Middlesex in 2022 and continue her studies at a four-year university. While she is still figuring out what she wants to pursue for a future career – her options include being a bank teller or a translator at a hospital – Chhay knows her strengths are math and connecting with others.

“MCC makes my major easier,” she said. “They set up all the plans and what I need to get done. They also gave me a lot of options of different courses to pick.”

In her Statistics course this past semester, she appreciated having access to a student Supplemental Instructor (SI) Leader who would host weekly Zoom calls to work through problems and answer student questions. Calling this benefit “really helpful,” Chhay was able to join in on her own terms when she had follow-up questions.

Because of the transition to mostly online courses with the pandemic, Chhay had to make adjustments like many other students. She found a routine that worked best for her – working during the day and studying at night – and was able to focus on her coursework better.

“The courses that I am taking at Middlesex will definitely help me throughout all my future college years,” she said. “Middlesex has taught me to manage my time with school and work, and gain leadership skills.”

In addition to taking classes, Chhay works for the Program for Asian American Student Advancement (PAASA) in the Asian Connections Center as a work study student. As her favorite place on campus, Chhay enjoys the culture and environment the center provides as it helps students adjust to college life and the community.

“All the support from the students and staff is crucial to my success in college,” Chhay said. “Working in the Asian Center involves being there when students need help, especially to make students feel comfortable being in school and getting support from our center.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Asian Connections Center has hosted online events to maintain a community-feel, including a virtual Welcome Back Party, workshops on financial aid and new student orientation, and holiday celebrations. In the center – and at the college as a whole – Chhay has faced a welcoming and warm environment at Middlesex.

“Middlesex Community College is a school that I feel like I belong to,” she said. “MCC is full of different cultures and students from other countries and makes me feel comfortable and excited for what my future will hold.”

MCC’s Business program 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. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_business.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a Business degree at Middlesex.

MCC’s accelerated eight-week Spring Mini-mester starts on Monday, March 29. Complete general requirements and earn credits with the same high-quality content, academic standards and number of instructional hours as courses scheduled in the traditional 15-week semester. To register, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

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 online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!