Emily Khoury, of Sterling, will receive her Associate of Science in Nursing Degree with high honors during the Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement ceremony on May 20 at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC).
Emily’s journey to her degree has been shaped by resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to learning. Like many MWCC students, Emily took an unconventional path to MWCC.
After graduating high school, she planned to study mathematics at a state university with the goal of becoming a teacher, but financial barriers put that plan on hold. She went on to work full-time for a few years, and in doing so developed a clearer idea of what she wanted in a career. She knew she needed something that would keep her moving all day, challenge her, and allow her to work with and help people.
When the opportunity presented itself, Emily made the decision to begin her college career. She enrolled in online classes at MWCC in 2022, studying liberal arts and sciences, and was the first person in her family to attend college.
Halfway through her second semester, Emily dealt with an illness that pulled her away from her studies. During this time, she was met with compassion by various healthcare professionals. Inspired by the care she received, she decided to pursue a career in nursing.
The following semester, Emily returned to MWCC and began taking prerequisite courses for the nursing program. Since then, she has thrived both academically and personally. She was accepted into MWCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program in 2024.
Emily’s time at MWCC has been marked by perseverance and transformation. From struggling with online coursework to excelling in a rigorous, in-person nursing program, she discovered her resilience as she renewed her love of learning.
“Looking back, I can very clearly see that the difficulties I experienced earlier in my MWCC career were not for nothing— they changed how I responded to challenges and prepared me to handle the pressure that nursing school comes with,” Khoury shared. “Those experiences taught me how to ask for help and how to take accountability for my learning. They showed me how important it is to prioritize health and wellbeing in order to fully show up for anything in life. They made me realize that growth is still happening, even in moments that feel like setbacks. Lastly, they proved to me that MWCC is a place of opportunity – a place that allows students to grow and redefine themselves, regardless of their past.”
Emily credits MWCC’s supportive faculty with shaping her success. She shares that Professor Carrie Arnold helped her rediscover her passion for learning while building a strong foundation in Anatomy and Physiology, that proved essential to her success in the nursing program. She also expresses deep gratitude for her former Visions advisor, Lauren Clifford, who served as a consistent source of guidance and support along the way. In the clinical setting, she credits Professor Michelle Gaydos for challenging her in ways that led to her greatest growth, while also serving as a powerful example of the kind of nurse she aspires to become.
“The faculty at MWCC are dedicated to their students’ success, and it shows,” Khoury added. “Their support and encouragement helped me to believe in myself in moments where I was questioning if I was capable. I am forever grateful for all the time and energy they have put into teaching and guiding me over the past four years. They made this campus more than just a place to learn, they made it a second-home.”
Emily looks forward to using her skills and empathy throughout her career as a Registered Nurse to support patients through their most vulnerable moments.