For Crystle Monahan, Mount Wachusett Community College has always meant one thing: community.
That sense of belonging began more than a decade ago, when then 23-year-old Crystle walked into her first GED class carrying years of self-doubt and uncertainty about her future. Crystle had been homeschooled and possessed what she describes as roughly a sixth-grade education. For her, college felt unimaginable, but the staff and faculty at MWCC saw potential in her long before she saw it in herself.
After taking a placement test in late 2011, Crystle was surprised to be placed into a ninth-grade level preparatory class. She still remembers the people who encouraged her during those first steps, the teachers, advisors, and even classmates who helped her realize her potential.
“One of the first times I felt college was possible for someone like me was hearing about the ABE (Adult Basic Education) Transitions program,” Crystle said. “Seeing another student with ADHD succeeding in school made me believe I could do it too.”
Within months, she earned her GED with high marks and enrolled in her first college-level classes in January 2012 as part of the program that provides academic and financial support as students transition from adult education into college courses.
During her time at the Mount, Crystle built lasting connections with professors who supported her both academically and personally, compassionate mentors who helped her during difficult moments in her life—including the loss of her father in 2013.
“My dad was proud of me for being in college,” she said. “But there were amazing people here who helped me get through the pain.”
Though she graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems, burnout eventually led her to step away from technology. During that time, she rediscovered her passion for art. In 2024, inspired in part by family members who also attended MWCC, Crystle returned to campus, enrolling in the art program.
She quickly found herself immersed in the welcoming atmosphere of the art department, where hands-on learning and close relationships with faculty and classmates reignited her creativity and confidence.
“We’re all a little wacky and weird in the best way,” she said with a laugh. “The art wing feels like a place where people can really be themselves.”
One mentor in particular made a lasting impact on her, Professor Jesse Connor, who taught many of her art courses.
“Professor Connor was encouraging from day one,” she said. “He always took the time to help me understand assignments and created an environment where students felt comfortable learning and growing.”
Today, Crystle reflects on her MWCC journey not only as a story of academic achievement, but also as proof of the lasting relationships built on campus. For Crystle, that is what makes MWCC special.
“If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that you matter here,” she said. “You’re part of a community, and people will remember you.”