MCC Helps Student Pursue Dream He “Never Thought Possible"

Having struggled with school growing up, Toby Barnett, of Somerville, never believed he would attend college. Despite enduring a family tragedy days before starting, a combination of free programs at Middlesex Community College helped him earn his GED and take college preparation courses. Now in MCC’s Criminal and Social Justice program, he is making his dream of pursuing a college degree a reality.

“It was definitely a rough time period but continuing to pursue my GED at the time was the best decision of my life,” Barnett said. “Being someone who comes from a low-income family where very few people went to college, MCC has helped me have so many great experiences I never would have been able to have otherwise. I have never felt more supported and seen as not only a student but an individual more than I do at MCC.”

After MCC’s Adult Learning Center helped prepare him for his GED, Barnett was approached by MCC’s Links Program Coordinator Karen Spengler. The tuition-free program offered extra support to help prepare him for college-level classes and was the opportunity Barnett needed to transition into his degree program at MCC.

Grateful for the chance to continue his education, Barnett was intimidated by the college process at first. He found the instructors and staff who guided him through each step to be “some of the kindest people I have ever met.”

He was also met with support in the Criminal and Social Justice program from professors who are both knowledgeable and willing to help him as he plans out his next steps. While professor Kenneth Lavallee inspired Barnett to explore his dream career as a victim witness advocate, program chair Heloisa DaCunha helped Barnett find internships at the Lowell Police Department and Alternative House.

“I have been able to meet so many great professors that have real-world experience in the field and that has enriched my learning experience even more,” Barnett said. “Throughout my time at MCC, I have a much clearer path on how to reach my future goals both career-wise and who I want to be as a person.”

In his internship at the Alternative House in Lowell, Barnett works with the community-based coordinator to help victims of domestic violence. He has gained experience doing intakes, speaking directly to victims, and observing the 24/7 hotline. In addition to getting an in-depth look at the field, he has started to build a network of contacts.

“My time at the Alternative House has been an absolutely eye-opening experience,” he said. “I’ve learned so much about domestic violence and the sad reality of it. Being able to directly work in the field I’m working toward a career in has made me certain this is what I want to do with my life.”

At MCC, Barnett is also benefitting from working with classmates. After receiving help as a mentee in MCC’s Success Scholars Program, he is now mentoring other students as they navigate college life. A founding member of the Theatre Appreciation Club, he enjoys the opportunities MCC offers to meet people from all over the world.

After graduating from Middlesex in Fall 2024, Barnett looks forward to transferring to a state school to continue his education. Starting at MCC, he said, “has made my life so much better.”

“There is no way I would be where I am today both education wise as well as personality wise if it wasn’t for MCC and the great staff and professors here,” he said. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and experience I’ve been able to have while being a student at MCC.”