From Braintree and now living in Lowell, Kevin Murphy is a United States Marine Corps veteran who spent two years in Afghanistan. To help him discover what he was capable of after serving, Murphy decided to go back to school. At Middlesex Community College, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) helped set him up for success from day one.
“MCC has helped me understand who I am, what I want to do in life, and how to get there – providing not only classes needed to get a degree, but also introductions to different lifestyles and topics that have made me think outside the box,” Murphy said. “This includes values I have learned here, which I will carry with me my entire life.”
Murphy decided to reach out to Middlesex because he would drive by the college’s Bedford campus on his way to work. At first, the process of figuring out how to use his GI benefits and apply to school felt stressful. Staff at the VRC – including director Jessica Frost – walked him through the steps of applying for the college and taking advantage of his benefits.
“Jessica Frost is one of the most excellent and thoughtful people I have met, which made signing up for college and getting through the semester much more accessible,” Murphy said. “Her understanding of veterans and how it is for them to return to college is a skill you don’t see much of in the world.”
Led by Frost, the VRC offers access to advising services and resources, as well as holds special events for veteran and military-connected students to network with each other and the MCC community. On Wednesday, November 2, the virtual Veterans Day event “Surviving Trauma” featured combat veteran Jeanette Garcia, a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault and war. Garcia shared her story of trauma and healing in the hopes of empowering others to talk about their own experiences.
The VRC also guided Murphy in transitioning from a History, Politics and Global Studies major to Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Working with a Veterans Readiness and Employment advisor helped Murphy get a better sense of what he wanted to pursue for a career long-term. In the Spring 2023 semester, he looks forward to taking more classes for his new major as a full-time student.
As he continues his studies, Murphy keeps busy on campus. In addition to working at the VRC as a student employee a few times a week, he is looking to get the Veterans Club started after the pandemic put activities on hold for a few semesters. After graduating from MCC, he hopes to transfer to a four-year institution. He credits Middlesex for being his starting point.
“Coming up this winter will mark the year that I have attended this college, and since the beginning, I could not see myself doing this well in school or how it has affected my life outside of school, including the pride I have and my values of who I am as a person,” he said. “Leaving the Marines, I did not see myself where I am today – not because of where I am financially or what I have, but because I am happy where I am going to college today.”
