For Meixue Chan, a nursing student and amateur mushroom forager (more on that later), success comes from sticking to your goals and creating a community of support.
“Being positive is hard, but don't give up. There are resources. Use them to make your life better,” Meixue said. “You will be there before you know it.”
Meixue’s path to QCC started at the Worcester Adult Learning Center, where she took English and CNA classes. They connected her with QCC’s Future Focus program, designed for individuals coming from adult education programs, and she hit the ground running toward her longtime goal of becoming a nurse.
Through Future Focus, Meixue connected with many of QCC’s resources, such as the HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center, Counseling and Wellness, the First Generation Student Center, and Parenting Student Services.
These programs became critical when she went through a divorce during her first semester. Without family nearby, finding childcare and housing, all while navigating higher education and improving her English, felt overwhelming and isolating.
Meixue didn’t give up and utilized as many resources as she could.
“You need to build your own community if you don't have one,” Meixue said. “And be grateful. There are always good things happening.”
Leaning into the relationships she was building with faculty and staff at the college supported Meixue through what she described as the hardest period of her life. Now, her goal of becoming a nurse is just two semesters away, and she is excited to help patients during their times of hardship.
Meixue has found connections outside of the college as well. When she first arrived in the U.S.from China, she didn’t have a vehicle and missed the markets from home that offered fresh vegetables. She took matters into her own hands and started foraging for mushrooms. In addition to finding delicious fungi, like chicken-of-the-woods and trumpet mushrooms, she found a friend who also foraged, and they bonded over their local finds.
She continues to make friends at QCC and loves meeting so many different types of people on campus. This semester, she served as an orientation leader, and she shared her story with new students who might be starting in a similar position.
"It can be really hard, but school is a better way out," Meixue said. "I appreciate the help I have received from the wonderful people here."