Jennifer Laing, one of two graduation speakers representing MCC class of 2024 at Commencement ceremony

by Caitlin Buckley

For Jennifer Laing, from Venezuela and now living in Maynard, the people of Middlesex Community College made a positive impact on her college experience. A Liberal Arts and Sciences major, Laing is one of two graduation speakers representing the class of 2024 at MCC’s Commencement held on Thursday, May 23 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

“I am incredibly delighted to represent the student body at graduation,” Laing said. “The MCC community of faculty, students and staff members have made my experience here enriching, exciting and exalting. I hope I can deliver a message that can reciprocate their care and support.”

Laing is honored to have been asked to speak at graduation. From classmates to professors, she sees her speech as an opportunity to give back to the people who inspired her. Calling the MCC community “generous, resourceful and very special,” she appreciated taking advantage of all of the opportunities available to her at Middlesex in and outside of the classroom.

“I could not have anticipated the support I have received from faculty, peers and staff over the past two years,” Laing said. “I chose MCC because the school offers a great variety of online classes, but I stayed at MCC because every single human I have interacted with has impacted my journey in inspiring and encouraging ways.”

The support Laing found at Middlesex started with her first ever professor, Dr. Denise Marchionda. By experiencing a welcoming environment, Laing felt more comfortable beginning her academic journey. With Dr. Marchionda’s guidance, Laing also pushed herself harder to “reach my fullest potential.”

“She believed I could do great things here at MCC, and made me believe it too,” Laing said. “She continues to be a mentor as well as a source of motivation to keep going after my academic goals.”

When Laing first started at Middlesex, her goal was to earn a college education. Unsure of what she wanted to study or pursue for a career, Laing’s husband recommended she start with general education courses. Exploring a variety of subjects helped her find her passion. She also gained a “well-rounded foundation” to help her develop goals and a plan for the future.

An active community member at Middlesex, Laing enjoyed attending campus events and working as a writing tutor for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). Graduating with highest honors, she is a member of MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society for two-year schools.

As she looks forward to transferring to a four-year institution, Laing hopes to continue to use the knowledge, skills and confidence she found at Middlesex. At her new school, she plans to major in English and minor in Psychology.

Laing emphasizes the value of having a community of supportive employees and classmates dedicated to her growth and development. As she graduates and continues on with her education and into the workforce, she hopes to take what she has learned from the college and apply it to her new endeavors.

“Being a student at MCC has been a fantastic experience,” she said. “I have grown as a scholar, friend, mother and thinker because of my experiences and education here.”