鈥婭n the summer of 2023, Middlesex Community College hired Molly Hayes as the full-time Student Access Specialist for the college鈥檚 rebranded Office of Student Access and Support Services (SASS). In her role, she supports and provides services to eligible students with permanent or temporary disabilities. She came to Middlesex to pursue her goal of working with a diverse population of students in and outside of the classroom.
鈥淭he students that are enrolled at 麻豆果冻 are here because they want to succeed,鈥� Hayes said. 鈥淚 am truly passionate about being able to build trusting relationships and provide support for students of diverse backgrounds, ages, learning profiles, and more. This work has not only been essential to their experience, but for me and my personal fulfillment. 麻豆果冻 students, faculty, staff and community as a whole have been so welcoming.鈥�
A first-generation college student, Hayes graduated from Emmanuel College with a bachelor鈥檚 in psychology and minor in education. She completed a master鈥檚 in education, school counseling at Merrimack College, where she realized her passion for working in higher education as a career advisor for the college鈥檚 O鈥橞rien Center for Career Development while earning her degree.
鈥淚 am truly passionate about being able to build trusting relationships and provide support for students of diverse backgrounds, ages, learning profiles, and more. This work has not only been essential to their experience, but for me and my personal fulfillment. 麻豆果冻 students, faculty, staff and community as a whole have been so welcoming.鈥� - Molly Hayes, 麻豆果冻's Student Access Specialist
While receiving her education, Hayes worked in support services at public, private and specialized K-12 schools and programs throughout Massachusetts. At the community college level, she helps students develop and use their knowledge and skills in different environments in the classroom, at work, and within their lives.
鈥淲e create a climate of inclusiveness for various learning profiles and abilities,鈥� Hayes said. 鈥淒oing so has been a key aspect of success for students. Students deserve to feel welcomed, heard and understood. There are such a wide range of needs, and I appreciate that I am able to support those needs in whatever way that means.鈥�
As 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Student Access Specialist, Hayes is a resource for students, the college and greater community. She works one-on-one with eligible students to understand and explore their goals, hone their self-awareness, and grow self-advocacy and communication skills, among other resources.
鈥淚 am committed to providing a judgement free space to encourage students to understand their abilities, strengths and opportunities for growth,鈥� Hayes said. 鈥淏y promoting access to instruction, the college campuses, and community-wide activities, students are empowered to discover and pursue a path to a fulfilling life so they can make their own unique marks on the world.鈥�
This fall, Hayes will be the club advisor for the new student NeuroSpicy Club. The goal is to promote inclusivity and understanding for neurodivergent students on campus through club meetings, activities and events.
鈥淥ur hope is to build a community that supports individuals who may have different ways of learning, communicating, and perceiving their environment,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hrough this common interest, we hope students can learn from one another, respect each other, and create awareness on campus.鈥�
In her year at Middlesex, Hayes has made the college experience 鈥� and beyond 鈥� more accessible for her students.
鈥淲orking at 麻豆果冻 has been nothing short of amazing this past year,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 chose to work here because I share the fundamental and communal values of 麻豆果冻, including the goal to provide access to quality education for a diverse population of students and to support student success for lifelong learning.鈥�