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 麻豆果冻 to make a positive impact on people鈥檚 lives.
鈥淲hen I decided to go back to school and discussed it with my family, 麻豆果冻 was the first place they recommended,鈥� Kalai said. 鈥淢y colleagues also shared their positive experiences with the college, which encouraged me even more to enroll. So far, I love my experience at 麻豆果冻.鈥�
In Morocco, she earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics and business management in 2014, as well as a master鈥檚 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.
鈥淲hen I decided to go back to school and discussed it with my family, 麻豆果冻 was the first place they recommended. My colleagues also shared their positive experiences with the college, which encouraged me even more to enroll. So far, I love my experience at 麻豆果冻.鈥� - Wafaa Kalai, 麻豆果冻 Student
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 麻豆果冻鈥檚 resources.
鈥溌槎构� has given me the chance to learn, evolve and join a big community where I can embrace my goals,鈥� Kalai said. 鈥淓veryone has a place in the college, and through that, I have met people from my own country and peers with similar ideas and goals.鈥�
In Kalai鈥檚 first year at 麻豆果冻, she began working at the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) after Psychology Professor Jennifer Pisarik recommended her. Through Pisarik鈥檚 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.
鈥淚 appreciate being a part of ACE,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 enjoy helping students and feeling like I can make someone's learning journey a little better. For me, 麻豆果冻 represents a school of life. The college has its own way of helping you learn about yourself and believe in your dreams.鈥�
During her first semester, Kalai struggled with writing essays. As she learned more English and connected with professors at 麻豆果冻, 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 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Lowell Campus.
Being involved in the 麻豆果冻 community helped Kalai feel more comfortable at the college, including building relationships with students and receiving guidance from 麻豆果冻 employees. In addition to ACE, she used the college鈥檚 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鈥檚 journey. Their responsiveness and assistance made her college experience more rewarding.
鈥淭he professors and staff at 麻豆果冻 are amazing,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou 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 麻豆果冻, I learned there are no obstacles when it comes to growing in this country.鈥�