From our friends on social media
I was in the middle of an expensive four-year degree and started picking up summer and night classes at HCC. That let me graduate a year early and saved me over $18K in loans at the end of my degree! Once I hit the workforce, I wanted more experience in business, and the skills I gained are paying off. I went into it thinking I would take some classes to have fun and keep my mind sharp and ended up boosting my career.
Lauryn Winiarski of Northampton, Mass., studied entrepreneurship at HCC and works as a mechanical design engineer
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I was a pretty poor student in high school – rarely put in the effort to get grades that could be considered even remotely decent. My first semester at HCC, I had to give a speech in my Intro to Psych class. My professor pulled me aside after to let me know how well I conducted myself and that I was a “sleeper” with “hidden potential.” I’ve never had an instructor praise me in that way before and it began to change how I thought about myself academically. It was a small comment but it truthfully put me on a path to academic success. It’s a reminder to me of 1. How impactful a teacher’s comments can be, and 2. How HCC changes people’s life trajectories.
Joseph P. Courchesne ’06, English teacher, Granby Jr. Sr. High School, Chicopee, Mass.
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HCC was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It prepared me for transfer, and I made friends there that I’m still close to and work with now. HCC’s music program is excellent. By the time I got to UMass I was able to just take the courses I wanted because I had already knocked out all of my prerequisites.
Caitlin Simpson ’13, Performance artist and musician, Florence, Mass.
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Being a single mom, I was finally able to attend college after my three kids were all finally in school. I chose HCC because they helped me work things out. As a non-traditional student it was challenging, and it took me three years, but I completed my associate degree in pharmacy technology. HCC was a great experience.
Joyce Dolat ’98 lives in Westfield, Mass.
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I received graduate-level training at HCC, and it was the most amazingly supportive family! I transferred to UMass, and had a great experience overall there. I was well prepared for the academics, but felt lost and alone much of the time on campus. I NEVER felt that way at HCC! It still feels like home to me.
Incidentally, I was pregnant and my daughter was born while I was still in school. She attended classes with me at HCC as an infant and toddler. She was the Psych Club mascot from 2011-2014, as I was the president at the time. I couldn’t have had that opportunity anywhere else. My professors accommodated my needs every step of the way, which allowed me to continue to the finish line with a near 4.0 GPA. I remain incredibly grateful. I’m still in touch with many of them. They are some of the greatest humans I know!
Jennifer M. Taylor ’14, integrative health coach, Shutesbury, Mass.
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Six years ago, I had the opportunity to take part in the first year of HCC’s STEM Scholars program as a peer mentor. The following year I acted in the same capacity. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to do so. I was fortunate to have met some extremely bright young minds. Additionally, I was able to collaborate with my professors on teaching, and I can say without a doubt it has led me to where I am today. I’m so happy to see that the STEM Scholars program is still going.
Joshua Plouffe ’16, business intelligence analyst, Holyoke Medical Center, Longmeadow, Mass.
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