Megan Guros, of Andover, one of two graduation speakers at MCC’s 2024 Commencement. (Photo courtesy MCC)

by Caitlin Buckley

From childhood, Megan Guros, of Andover, has lived with a disability and a diagnosis of a rare disease that brought a life expectancy of 15 years.

Medical advancements helped her survive, improved her quality of life, and inspired a passion for the field of biotechnology, which she pursued at Middlesex Community College.

Guros 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.

“It is an immense honor and profound responsibility to be selected as a commencement speaker,” Guros said. “Given the struggles I have experienced with my health, I doubted my ability to ever graduate. This opportunity allows me to reflect on our shared experiences and the resilience we’ve demonstrated throughout our educational journey. It’s a platform to express gratitude, share insights, and inspire my classmates as we all prepare to embark on our next chapters.”

In MCC’s Learn and Earn Experience, Guros appreciated the “unique” opportunity to study while gaining relevant experience and supporting her family. Bringing firsthand knowledge to the company as a rare disease patient, Guros interned at Ultragenyx. She feels that the labs and classes as part of MCC’s Biotech program prepared her to be a productive member of her team working hands-on within the supply chain.

“The internship has greatly contributed to my education by offering me real-world industry experience,” she said. “This helps me to know the right questions to ask for further clarification and assists me in seeing how everything we are learning comes together in industry.”

One of the reasons Guros first chose to come to MCC was the diverse student body. She believes the “rich and vibrant learning environment” at the college provides an opportunity to work with and learn from people with different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.

Faculty and staff have also made a big impact on Guros’s time at Middlesex. By creating a safe space in which to learn, Dr. Mariluci Bladon, MCC’s Professor & Chair of Biotechnology, helped Guros feel comfortable asking for assistance and pushing herself to succeed. Guros also has guidance in the TRIO Program for Student Achievement, including from director Jennifer Stach. This network of support allowed her to make the return to college, knowing she has built-in help as she navigates her college experience and any challenges that may arise.

“My experience at MCC has been transformative,” Guros said. “The faculty’s engagement, the wealth of knowledge I have gained, and the unwavering support I have received have shaped my educational journey into one that is fulfilling and rewarding.

Guros was President of MCC’s Biotech Club and of the student chapters of the New England Parenteral Drug Association and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, as well as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Graduating with highest honors, she is now studying at Northeastern University on a scholarship to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She credits MCC for helping to build a foundation for her future.

“I have found my path and I am excited again for the future,” she said. “MCC has helped me move forward in my life from a place of merely surviving to a course on which I am thriving. I am determined to do the biotech program proud and have a real impact in the industry.”