At Middlesex Community College’s 2025 Evening of Excellence, Lorena Roderick felt emotional remembering her first semester at the college. From Brazil and now living in Acton, Roderick struggled in the beginning with her confidence and comfort learning in a second language. Receiving the Psychology Award for Outstanding Achievement during the ceremony, she graduated with highest honors at MCC’s 2025 commencement.
“This award means more than just academic success – it shows how far I’ve come since I started this journey,” Roderick said. “The beginning was tough – especially as an immigrant studying a different language – but I found the support I needed to succeed. MCC gave me a fresh start when I needed it most.”
Affordable, close to home, and offering a familiar and welcoming environment, Roderick knew MCC was the right place to restart her education. She had taken English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Middlesex after moving to the U.S. After going through a difficult time, she was ready to start her path toward an associate degree in human services.
With an interest in helping people, enrolling in MCC’s liberal arts and sciences program offered her the opportunity to finish her general education requirements while studying with a concentration in psychology. She also had the chance to participate in college events focused on wellness and mental health.
“It was through my own experiences as an immigrant that I realized I wanted to help others,” Roderick said. “Psychology became a way for me to turn my challenges into something meaningful.”
The flexibility of taking hybrid classes both in-person and online helped Roderick balance running a small business while completing her degree. Enjoying face-to-face interactions on days she went to campus, taking classes online helped her maintain her busy schedule.
MCC staff members provided access to resources and support services to guide her success – from applying for financial aid to preparing to transfer to a four-year school. Supportive professors cared about her success and helped her navigate the college experience.
Psychology professors Jose Martinez, Jennifer Pisarik and Pavithra Giridharan made a difference on Roderick’s journey in particular. While Martinez provided opportunities for discussions after class, Pisarik inspired Roderick to transfer, and Giridharan showed her it was safe to be herself in class.
“From the friendly staff to excellent professors, I gained the confidence to persist and grow as a student and human being,” Roderick said. “The professors genuinely care. I’ve had faculty who encouraged me when I doubted myself.”
After completing her time at MCC, Roderick transferred to UMass Lowell to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In the future, she hopes to pursue a master’s in counseling and work with immigrant and underserved populations. Finding the guidance she needed to be successful at the college and beyond, Roderick feels “lucky to have chosen MCC” as her starting place.
“MCC gave me the foundation I needed,” she said. “I learned the academic content and how to manage my time, ask for help, and trust myself. These lessons will stay with me as I keep moving forward.”