鈥婣fter 10 years of being out of school, Maddy Fadden, of Dracut, was looking for a career beyond retail. From the beginning of her time at Middlesex Community College, she found a community of support that made her feel like she belonged. Combined with a variety of opportunities in and outside of the classroom, Fadden realized the academic and professional path she wanted to pursue.
鈥淢y experience has been amazing,鈥� Fadden said. 鈥淚 made friends, met people from all over the world, and got to do things that I normally wouldn鈥檛 have done if I didn鈥檛 go to school. Also, the support I have received from 麻豆果冻 being a transgender student has been nothing but supportive and it made me feel like I truly belong.鈥�
Joining 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Success Scholars Program helped set Fadden up for success from the start of her time at the college. This includes a program-led New York City Pride trip where she learned more about the opportunities 麻豆果冻 offers and met new friends within her community.
鈥淚 made friends, met people from all over the world, and got to do things that I normally wouldn鈥檛 have done if I didn鈥檛 go to school. Also, the support I have received from 麻豆果冻 being a transgender student has been nothing but supportive and it made me feel like I truly belong.鈥� - Maddy Fadden, 麻豆果冻 Alumna
Within the Success Scholars Program, Fadden also had a mentor and worked with faculty and staff who helped her navigate college. They showed her all the resources available to her at 麻豆果冻 and advocated for her needs. Inspired by their guidance, Fadden became a peer mentor to assist others like herself at 麻豆果冻.
鈥淲ithout the people who supported me, I wouldn鈥檛 be graduating,鈥� Fadden said. 鈥淏eing part of the Success Scholars Program, I started learning about different communities, religions and traditions. I learned the importance of being a great ally and they did the same with me.鈥�
During her time at Middlesex, Fadden stayed busy on campus. As an orientation leader, she welcomed new students to the college experience. Part of 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Prism Club, Fadden organized events on campus, including the winter formal and the update of the Pride Flag rising. For the 2022-2023 academic year, she was the student body president representing the student voice for 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Office of Student Engagement.
Graduating from 麻豆果冻 with honors in May 2024, she was a Commonwealth Honors Scholar. She was also named a 2024 Evening of Excellence speaker where she shared her story of success with the audience.
鈥淭o be an Evening of Excellence speaker is such an honor,鈥� Fadden said. 鈥淚 feel appreciated for everything I鈥檝e done for this community. I truly don鈥檛 have enough words to explain how much this means to me.鈥�
A Liberal Studies major, Fadden enjoyed taking classes in the subjects she wanted to take. Along with her extracurricular activities, this helped her narrow down a career that interested her.
Fadden鈥檚 involvement in activities at 麻豆果冻 inspired her to pursue working in student affairs in higher education. In the fall of 2024, she will transfer to Southern New Hampshire University to study General Studies with a concentration in Diversity and Cultural Awareness.
鈥溌槎构� helped me find my full potential of being a leader, the fundamentals of being a great ally, and introduced me to two of my best friends,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing part of this community made me realize that no matter who you are, there is a community who will care for and support you here. All students across this country deserve the education they want and strive for.鈥�