Student Type: Non-traditional

Ann Giaquinto Scott

“I found the professors to be well educated medical professionals who love to share their knowledge of traditional and complementary therapies. It is their dedication to lifelong learning that inspired me to continue my education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.”

Michael Young

“I have had a chance to update and polish my skill set, to study with inspiring teachers, and to share in class with students who treated me with respect and appreciation.”

Ricardo Scarello

For those who are battling a disability, MWCC encouraged me and gave me a solid foundation to achieve my educational and career goals. There were times that I felt like giving up, but I kept moving forward and soon I will start a PhD program. It is all up to you.

Jennifer Guerriero

Jennifer Guerriero initially went to college immediately after high school. Not knowing what she wanted to major in, Jennifer was encouraged to pursue an accounting major as she was good at math. The degree turned out to be a bad fit and after a year and a half she stopped going and went to hairdressing school. She was a hairdresser for a long time and eventually worked her way up to having her own business, but she wanted something else. She wanted to go back to school.

“When my youngest (child) finally went to school full-time, I felt like I needed to do something for myself. I always wanted to finish up my degree,” Jennifer said.

Despite her kids still being young, as a returning student Jennifer found the flexibility offered at the Mount allowed her to succeed.  Classes at the Mount run at various times, allowing people to figure out the schedule that works best for them. And if there was a class I couldn’t get into the classroom for, Jennifer was able to take it online.

“There’s quite an array of online classes and I took quite a few,” Jennifer said. “I was always able to fit every class I needed into my schedule, even with working.”

Josh Goliber

Joshua Goliber graduated in 2017 with his Associate degree in Criminal Justice and now works as a corrections officer. He initially attended a four year school, but decided to attend Mount Wachusett Community College’s Criminal Justice program to move quickly into his career.

“Compared to a private school, I felt I had more of a connection at the Mount. I was closer to the professors, smaller class sizes, it’s kind of like a hidden gem,” said Joshua.

The MWCC Criminal Justice program provides students with academic preparation for career entry, transfer to four year institutions and lifelong learning through Many area public safety professionals, including police officers, corrections officers, and federal criminal justice employees get their start at MWCC. In the program, students can select a law enforcement concentration or a corrections concentration.

“After I graduated, I immediately joined the workforce. I got a job as a Corrections Officer which is totally perfect for what I went to school for. My education at the Mount definitely helped, and the connections that I made there also helped me get my job,” Joshua said. “I would advise anyone who’s considering or debating taking Criminal Justice courses at the Mount to absolutely go for it. I feel the most rewarding career out there, working for law enforcement, is not an easy job, but at the end of the day, I feel that I’m helping people.”

Taryn Holly

This past year, Holly completed a service learning project at WHEAT Community Services, a Clinton-based nonprofit organization that promotes the well being of low-income children, adults and families in the communities of Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Lancaster and Sterling. Through a federal grant administered by MWCC, the nonprofit organization was awarded $18,000 in federal funds to enhance its organizational development.

As part of that grant, Holly administered a community impact survey that entailed meeting with top officials from the towns served by WHEAT to evaluate and analyze how each town used the organization’s services.

“Not only did the survey help WHEAT realize how its services impact the community, but it also showed the number of people who are in need of the services the organization provides, but don’t know about it,” Holly explains.

In addition, she was among five MWCC students who participated in a service learning project at Burbank Rehabilitation Center in Fitchburg, which helped her decide her career path.

Along with service learning, the Winchendon native is also a member of MWCC’s Student Government Association, and earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences in December.

Holly said the community projects not only provided invaluable experiences, but were personally rewarding as well. “If you have the opportunity to participate in service learning, don’t hesitate.”

— Kim Anderson

Entela Roba

I feel comfortable and well prepared with what I learned at the Mount, and I’m proud to say that I graduated from this program.

Maria Paulino

A required practicum in the Early Childhood Education program brought Maria Paulino to Busy Bees Preschool Center in Fitchburg in 1998. Soon, she was hired as a teacher’s assistant. After earning her associate degree, she advanced from teacher to lead teacher to director.

“Maria was just a natural,” says Cecile Tousignant, the founder and former owner of Busy Bees. “She has this special skill in working with children and parents. She knows how to listen and she knows how to respond.”

Born in the Dominican Republic, Paulino moved with her family to New York City when she was 14. She originally wanted to become a fashion designer and graduated from The High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan. But she discovered her special talent was working with other students, helping them improve.

“Everyone was so supportive at the Mount, from my first day filling out an application and financial aid forms. And the professors were always there for me. I felt so at home,” she says.

In 2006, Paulino purchased Busy Bees, which offers nurturing day care for children ages six weeks to five years. “My dream from my first days at Busy Bees was to own the place someday, and somehow I made it happen. But it takes a village, and I had a lot of help from my family and so many other caring people. I feel as if I was born to do what I’m doing.”

“Here at Busy Bees, I want children to feel as if it’s their home. I believe that children are the caretakers of our future. Instilling them now with skills, confidence, and compassion can equip them to influence the world as they grow.”

Looking back on her life, Paulino said she would never want to trade jobs with anyone, not even with her famous Dominican countryman, Oscar De La Renta, “When you become educated, doors open,” she says. “Instead of designing clothes I am designing young lives.”

Lisa Burns

Many people at Mount Wachusett and now at Mount Holyoke have faith in me as a student, which is inspiring me to strive for even more. I can’t describe the feelings I had when I read my acceptance letter. My kids are proud of me.

Austin Seppala

When Austin Seppala enrolled at MWCC after spending a semester at a four-year college in Idaho, he was initially unsure of his decision. Seppala recalls wondering if the community college was too small. Within a week of enrolling he had met Debra Boucher, the advisor who was there to support him through the next two years while he earned his associate degree in Business Administration. “I remember thinking to myself that I couldn’t do it; it was during those moments that I would run to Deb’s office and she would talk it out with me.”

Seppala was able to take advantage of numerous services in MWCC’s Visions program. Services that helped him meet his academic and career goals included peer support, field trips, and transfer counseling. Not only was Seppala thrilled with the college’s support services, but he excelled academically, as well. “The professors at ‘the Mount’ were beyond excellent!” Seppala raves.

After graduating from MWCC in 2010, Seppala was offered admission into three institutions, and decided to transfer to Northeastern University, where he is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a management concentration.

“I think it goes without saying that ‘the Mount’ is a supportive place. There is not a person on staff that I didn’t feel comfortable with,” he concludes. Debra Boucher, Seppala’s advisor, says that his story is a great example of the team approach to student success at MWCC. “Austin worked hard, very hard, to achieve his goals, but, like all students, he faced obstacles and challenges. My job as his Visions advisor was to help motivate him and support him during those inevitable bumps in the road.”

— Karen Costa