Rachel Lucia first enrolled at MWCC in 1994 at the age of twenty-one; a mother of three with little to no family support. She had quit high school after having her first child and was determined to overcome that setback by going to college. Knowing she needed to provide for her family and act as a role model to her children, Lucia felt that earning her associate degree at The Mount was something she needed to do.
Lucia had enthusiastically enrolled in the Criminal Justice program. However, without a driver’s license, and needing to work to support her family, her situation wasn’t ideal. She attended classes at night and struggled. Her already limited family support system caved in, and she withdrew from classes shortly after she began.
This decision is one of two that she would carry heavy in her heart. She vowed to return to her studies someday and set out to focus on caring and providing for her children for the time being. Lucia continued to question her decision to leave, always thinking of when she might be able to return; but when she reenrolled, she knew she made the best choice.
Lucia is now a grandmother, and her grandchildren, Lucas and Leilani, have been a large driving force for Lucia throughout her time at the Mount as she thinks about their futures.
“With the help of MWCC I have laid a foundation of skills that I can hand down to generations to come,” Lucia says. “Through watching and learning of my success, my hope is they will be empowered to make their own mistakes and have great experiences on their own journey to success.”
“Mount Wachusett Community College was paramount to helping me mold a successful gateway to my future,” Lucia continued. “Time and again I was paired with phenomenal staff and given the chance to participate in outstanding, life- changing experiences and opportunities. I have so many things I can list that positively influenced my experience at MWCC including: the TRIO Rx program and my advisor Alaina, my endeavor to get the Human Services Club running and then serving as its President, the Leader’s program, and becoming the student ambassador for Basic Needs Security. I did everything knowing it wasn’t going to be easy and I would make mistakes and struggle a little, but that it was going to be ok and all so worth it.”
“MWCC has been my foundation and provided the structure that I needed to get me through this journey. I cannot say enough positive things about the resources available to ensure that students’ struggles are as painless as possible. There is so much more to this experience than picking up books, typing out papers and showing up for class. Make the most out of everything The Mount has to offer and understand that they have carved out a path for you, all you need to do is follow it and make it your own.”