Dear HCC

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.