MCC Student Finds Belonging and a New Career Path

After moving from Morocco to Lowell, Wafaa Kalai joined Middlesex Community College in late 2023 as a public health student. While transitioning to the United States and figuring out what to study, she worked as a residential counselor which influenced her interest in healthcare. Her goal is to use the opportunities and education she gains from MCC to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

“When I decided to go back to school and discussed it with my family, MCC was the first place they recommended,” Kalai said. “My colleagues also shared their positive experiences with the college, which encouraged me even more to enroll. So far, I love my experience at MCC.”

In Morocco, she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business management in 2014, as well as a master’s degree in supply chain management in 2016. For several years, she managed a gas supply chain in the oil and petroleum industry before going back to school.

As a residential counselor, Kalai worked with people in the mental health field. Hearing their stories motivated her to learn about healthcare and help patients more. Going back to school allowed her to begin a new career with the help of MCC’s resources.

“MCC has given me the chance to learn, evolve and join a big community where I can embrace my goals,” Kalai said. “Everyone has a place in the college, and through that, I have met people from my own country and peers with similar ideas and goals.”

In Kalai’s first year at MCC, she began working at the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) after Psychology Professor Jennifer Pisarik recommended her. Through Pisarik’s advice, support and encouragement, Kalai feels more confident in her abilities. Her work at the Center improved her time management skills as she continued to meet with students.

“I appreciate being a part of ACE,” she said. “I enjoy helping students and feeling like I can make someone's learning journey a little better. For me, MCC represents a school of life. The college has its own way of helping you learn about yourself and believe in your dreams.”

During her first semester, Kalai struggled with writing essays. As she learned more English and connected with professors at MCC, she overcame her academic challenges, improved her writing skills, and enjoyed studying psychology more.

Now Kalai helps other students through their own struggles as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Tutor and Blackboard Ambassador. She also assists with welcoming and guiding students at the Center on MCC’s Lowell Campus.

Being involved in the MCC community helped Kalai feel more comfortable at the college, including building relationships with students and receiving guidance from MCC employees. In addition to ACE, she used the college’s campus libraries, learning how to prepare for tests and focus better on her homework.

Employees such as Director of ACE Christine Bell, Academic Advisor Julian Johnson, and Program Coordinator for Public Health Informatics and Technology Kori Preble Boeckeler were supportive in Kalai’s journey. Their responsiveness and assistance made her college experience more rewarding.

“The professors and staff at MCC are amazing,” she said. “You can feel how much they genuinely care about our success and journeys and see that they are invested in helping us. Based on my experience at MCC, I learned there are no obstacles when it comes to growing in this country.”