At thirty-three, Nicole Flerra faced a crossroads. A single mother, two-time college dropout, domestic abuse survivor, and recovered addict, she was no stranger to adversity.
“My decision to return to Mount Wachusett Community College after almost ten years was one of the best choices I have ever made,” Flerra says. “MWCC has been my second chance at creating a purposeful life, it was a crucial part of my path to redemption, and it’s been an essential tool to fulfilling my dreams.”
Returning to MWCC nearly a decade after her last attempt at higher education, Flerra initially doubted her prospects. Her previous attempts had ended in failure, and she feared her past might overshadow her future. “I never thought I’d be given a second chance,” she reflects. Yet, MWCC’s acceptance marked the beginning of a new chapter, one of redemption and purposeful living.
In her darkest time, after the death of her child’s father, she turned to faith, seeking solace and strength. “Through miracles that only God could perform, I began to transform into a new person,” she recalls. Embracing this newfound strength, Flerra resolved to chase her long-forgotten dreams and create a life full of purpose, one where she could help others, a life she could be proud of.
The college environment, imbued with support and understanding, allowed her to flourish. “The staff accepted me without judgment, knowing my past failures and still gave me the chance to prove myself,” she says. With determination and hard work, Flerra not only maintained good grades, but excelled, making the Dean’s List, winning awards, and securing scholarships, all while balancing the demands of motherhood and full-time employment.
The journey was not without its setbacks. She was accepted into the competitive nursing program. Still, during her first semester, she broke her leg, a challenge she was helped through with support from her advisors, professors, classmates, friends, and family.
Six short weeks after her first challenge, tragedy struck again with the loss of her brother to addiction. This spurred Flerra to add substance abuse counseling to her studies. “My brother’s passing ignited a new fire within,” she says.
A year later she found herself at another critical juncture. Her passion for the nursing program was not what it once was, and she lost her place in the program. “I gave all I had to give that semester but, in the end, it was not enough,” she admits. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she pivoted, switching her focus to Human Services with the support of her MWCC advisor. This move proved pivotal, aligning her studies with her passion and strengths.
Flerra earned her Associate of Science in Human Services with the class of 2024, and her Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2023. She is working as a recovery counselor at a local treatment center, and will continue her studies at Liberty University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Christian counseling with a focus on addiction.
Flerra’s story is one of profound transformation, underscored by the unwavering support of MWCC. “Mount Wachusett Community College built a strong foundation for me,” she asserts, grateful for the institution that gave her the opportunity to redefine her future. Her journey exemplifies how a single step, supported by a community that believes in second chances, can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.