Drawn to science from a young age, Vimean Botum Chea, of Lowell, has a passion for discovering how things work and solving real-world problems. During Middlesex Community College’s 2025 commencement week, she graduated with highest honors and was a student marshal. She received both the Science Award for Outstanding Student and the W Brian Van Lierop English Language Learners Award.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication, hard work, perseverance and growth I’ve experienced in two areas that once felt like significant challenges,” Chea said. “As an English Language Learner, receiving an award named specifically for that journey affirms my progress and motivates me to keep pushing forward. At the same time, being recognized in science – a field I’m passionate about – reinforces my confidence and commitment to academic excellence.”
In MCC’s science labs, Chea strengthened her knowledge and skills working hands-on to conduct experiments, use equipment, follow safety protocols, and analyze data. Helping her understand she was on the right academic and professional paths, she felt well-prepared to advance in her lab- and coursework in the future.
Chea also benefitted from the academic support and collaborative learning environment she was provided at Middlesex. Choosing to come to MCC because the college was affordable and located close to home, she found a close-knit community with personalized attention from both classmates and professors. This includes MCC mathematics professor Lengchivon Kou who offered her inspiration and guidance to be successful.
“I am deeply thankful to the faculty and staff at MCC who provided me with meaningful opportunities to work, learn, and grow on a personal level,” Chea said. “Their support and encouragement have made a lasting impact on my journey. My overall experience at MCC has been incredibly positive and rewarding.”
Middlesex also provided Chea with the opportunity to enhance her leadership abilities. As a student leader for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), she worked as a peer tutor and a certified peer mentor. In these roles, Chea hosted workshops and presentations, attended trainings, and worked on a research project.
Serving as a peer mentor in the Success Scholars Program, Chea helped her classmates navigate college life. She also had the chance to become a member of the college’s TRIO Program, as well as MCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international society for two-year colleges.
“MCC provided me with the tools, resources, and confidence I needed to succeed and prepare for the next step in my educational journey,” Chea said. “I felt valued as a student and appreciated the strong sense of community on campus. There were also opportunities for personal growth, which strengthened my ability to handle academic pressures and stay focused on my long-term goals.”
Having graduated from Middlesex in May of 2025, Chea plans to transfer to a four-year school to pursue a bachelor’s in biology with a focus on the pre-medical track. In the future, she wants to become a certified physician’s assistant specializing in orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery. At MCC, she gained communication, collaboration and scientific skills she believes will help her be successful in her career.
“MCC offered the ideal setting for me to grow academically and build a strong foundation for my future,” she said. “It has also helped me build resilience in my studies, enabling me to navigate challenges and stay focused on my academic goals. These experiences have prepared me well for the next steps in my academic and professional journey as I pursue my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.”