Middlesex Community College: U.S. Army Reserves Veteran Finds New Career Path At Middlesex CC

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Ronald Campbell

11/9/2021

After losing her job due to circumstances brought on by COVID-19, Tara Barlett, of Woburn, was seeking a career change. Research led the United States veteran to Middlesex Community College where she received answers to all of her questions, entrance to the college just a few weeks before the start of the semester, and a new path. The assistance she received “made all the difference,” making her decision to attend MCC “very simple.”

“MCC has been the catalyst for my entire career change,” Barlett said. “MCC has helped me find my professional passion. In the end, I will be able to make a huge difference for the company that I choose to work for, which will benefit my family and lifestyle as well.”

Barlett served in the U.S. Army Reserves based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., which provides her access to MCC’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC). The VRC has made a positive impact on her experience at the college, including working with Jessica Frost, Director of the VRC and Academic Advisor Josselyn Porter. Both staff members have guided Barlett through tasks such as taking advantage of her VA benefits and registering for classes.

“One thing that I would recommend to any veteran is to sit with the VRC,” she said. “Be open and honest about your goals and allow them the space to do what they do best.”

Having started college in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic ¬as a first-generation adult learner, Barlett intended to only take a few Business classes while at Middlesex. While she was unsure of how to label her professional interests at the time, talking it over with Frost helped her figure out a plan of action. Frost also connected her with a faculty member who is in the field she wants to pursue.

Now an MCC Business Administration – Transfer student, Barlett wants to transfer to Salem State University to study Human Resources and Business Management. Her goal is to one day works as a Director of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) to “help companies create a positive and inclusive environment, ideally within the hospitality industry.”

While her work with Middlesex staff and administration have helped her the most, Barlett has learned from each of her professors in all of her classes. She believes all of the skills she has gained– such as critical thinking, attention to details, and stepping outside of her comfort zone – will benefit her future academic and career goals.

Before starting at MCC, Barlett was told to enjoy her experience by a friend, but she was not sure how possible this could be with online classes, support services and events. She admits that her initial fears did not come true and that she has been able to enjoy her experience online and on campus. “MCC works hard to engage with students through various programs, clubs and groups.”

As a member of the African Culture Club, Barlett participated in last spring’s Diversity Summit and was then interviewed to be a Diversity Peer Educator, which “set the course for what I want to do after I’m finished with MCC,” she said.

“My overall MCC experience has been great,” she said. “I have wanted this experience for so long – and now that I’m in the middle of it – I’m excited to be here.”

The VRC hosted a virtual Veterans Day event on Wednesday, November 3. Speaker Dr. Cathal J. Nolan, Boston University’s Director of the International History Institute, spoke on No Greater Love: Sacrificing to Save Enemy Lives in Wartime. Covering five wars from the twentieth and twenty-first century, Dr. Nolan shared tales of medics who showed mercy toward the enemy during wartime.

MCC’s Lowell Veterans Resource Center (VRC) moved to Cowan Center, Room G05. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/veteransresources/ for more information on how MCC supports veteran and military-connected students.

MCC’s Business program helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_business.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a Business degree at Middlesex.

Registration for MCC’s Wintersession and Spring 2022 semester – starting on Monday, January 3 and Monday, January 24 – are now open. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information and to register for classes.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.