Middlesex Community College held a graduation ceremony for students who completed the Prepare to Attend College (PAC) program on Friday, November 15. The event provided an opportunity for graduates to share their experiences, receive certificates, and celebrate their success.
鈥淭hank you to all involved with making the PAC instruction and graduation such a success,鈥� said Judy Burke, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Workforce Development. 鈥淲e had students from 16 different countries attend classes. Their positivity was palpable. In receiving their certificate of completion, they each spoke and later sang 鈥榊ou鈥檝e Got a Friend in Me.鈥� They have a friend in 麻豆果冻. We are helping them achieve their dreams!鈥�
Mad Sherely, from Haiti and now living in Dracut, graduated from 麻豆果冻鈥檚 PAC One course. Sherely was appreciative of class instructor Faithe MacElliott鈥檚 friendliness and teaching methods.
鈥淢y cousin encouraged me to take an English class at 麻豆果冻 because she loved the experience,鈥� Sherely said. 鈥淒uring class, Faithe answered our questions, gave examples, and taught us expressions. She was patient with us. My classmates were also funny and a joy to engage with.鈥�
Mario Mateo, from Peru and now living in Lowell, graduated from 麻豆果冻鈥檚 PAC Two course. After Mateo鈥檚 son was born, he was motivated to join the program and learn English.
鈥淚 feel more ready than ever to face new challenges,鈥� Mateo said. 鈥淢y goal is to get a degree at 麻豆果冻 which will help me support my family in Peru and the United States. All my classmates were wonderful, and I am thankful for them. Together, we have made great memories.鈥�
After the PAC graduates spoke, class instructor Faithe MacElliott gave the graduates their certificates.
鈥淭he English Learner Institute serves a growing need for English language instruction in our communities,鈥� MacElliott said. 鈥淲hatever their objective might be, students know their ability to communicate in English is essential in pursuing their goals. The camaraderie among students is powerful. Knowing other people are going through the same assimilation to a new country, a new lifestyle, as well as a new language is not only comforting but allows students to check in with each other.鈥�
As part of PAC, MacElliott introduces students to 麻豆果冻 resources such as the food pantries, libraries and the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) for additional English practice and tutoring. As the program finishes, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 academic advisors visit the class to speak to graduates about continuing their education with options, including enrolling in credit classes at 麻豆果冻.
鈥淚 am proud to help newcomers navigate the application and assessment processes for our two English classes,鈥� said Charles Zhang, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 PAC Program Coordinator. 鈥淥ur dedicated team works together seamlessly to achieve PAC鈥檚 mission of empowering students. We recognize that they are not just English learners鈥攖hey are talented, hardworking individuals driven to make a meaningful impact in our communities. Their perseverance and commitment are inspiring.鈥�
The PAC program is a part of 麻豆果冻鈥檚 English Learner Institute (ELI) which offers non-native English speakers the opportunity to improve their English skills. The PAC program runs three times a year and learners complete it in eight-weeks. It is free, flexible and split into two levels. Visit Corporate Education Language Classes at 麻豆果冻 for more information.
鈥淲e have seen quite an increase in those interested in attending this past year,鈥� said Katy Gentile, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Assistant Director of Corporate Education and Training. 鈥淢iddlesex has been lucky to have two experienced instructors working with us. MacElliott and Zhang have come together to offer a fantastic program. The words of respect we heard about both individuals at the graduation ceremony is a tribute to the great work being done at 麻豆果冻.鈥�