Newsletter Archive

On September 18, Quinsigamond Community College became part of Blackstone Valley history when the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new Blackstone Valley Education Hub, an advanced manufacturing training center developed for students to get hands-on training in the manufacturing and technology field. The new education hub, located in the renovated Linwood Mill in Northbridge, is part of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s nonprofit organization, the Center for Business and Enterprise. QCC, along with Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology and Worcester State University have partnered with the Chamber to help make the education hub a reality. The Blackstone Valley Education Hub houses three classrooms, a skilled learning and performance center offering state-of-the-art technology, machines, computers and a design lab that focuses on 3D design and printing. The education hub is designed to teach advanced manufacturing skills to students and adults, in an effort to fill the current gap in the manufacturing workforce, a gap that has expanded as people age out of the industry.

Attending the event was Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Congressman James McGovern, as well as a multitude of local legislators, business and civic leaders. Students from the region, including the Grafton Job Corps and Uxbridge High School demonstrated some of the technologies available at the Education Hub.

“Today manufacturing isn’t like what it was in my dad’s generation,” Congressman McGovern said.

Lt. Governor Polito, who is the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council Co-Chair, acknowledged the amazing manufacturing advances that have been happening in the Commonwealth.

“We are the envy of a lot of other states and around the world,” she said.

President and CEO of Blackstone Chamber of Commerce, Jeannie Hebert said students will be work-ready after their training at the Education Hub.

“Our higher learning partners Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State University are going to be teaching these kids,” she noted.

 “We have to think ahead and teach to the jobs of tomorrow, not today,” QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja added.

In addition to teaching, QCC has also provided the financial support for the equipment and furniture.

“QCC’s Foundation has financially been at the table for years and we appreciate the commitment…” Congressman McGovern said, adding, “This is the future of Blackstone.“

The importance of working together has never been more pronounced than it was at the recent All College Day at Quinsigamond Community College. Faculty and staff gathered together to learn about all the amazing changes being implemented at the college. To kick off the half day event, guest speaker Attorney Valerie Zolezzi Wyndham presented a program, “Inclusion Ignites Success.” She discussed her own personal journey as being both Mexican and American and addressed the misconceptions she has personally encountered, as well as the racism and diversity in today’s world.

Ms. Zolezzy Wyndham told the QCC Community that it was important to “approach others with humility,” and to assume goodness and good intent when people make mistakes.

“Learn, inquire, explore and broaden networks. Be open and make opportunities happen,” she said.

QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja discussed the remarkable changes that have been taking place in the year since he had taken over as the college’s sixth president, noting that the entire QCC community has risen to the goal he set for 100 percent student success.

Those changes include a Welcome Center, Student Success Center, a new Strategic Plan, a new mentoring initiative, food pantry, community learning hubs located at Great Brook Valley and Catholic Charities, new and improved signage and an updated website. These are all designed to reduce the obstacles that students have faced in coming to college. 

Dr. Pedraja noted that these changes have not been without challenges and struggles that have included increased competition both locally and nationally, but that the college has persevered.

“We had limited resources and lost some people we could not replace. We had to do more with less. However, all the challenges we face pale in comparison in light of what our students face. The challenges are but an opportunity for us to overcome and be better and make a difference,” Dr. Pedraja said. “We’ve come a long way and we should be pleased by what we’ve accomplished.”

Dean of Students Terry Vecchio, along with Director of Mentoring for Perkins Programs Gabe Santner and TRIO Counselor Ricky Frazier discussed the new mentoring program and how it amplify the previous mentoring programs of Brothers and Keepers and S.H.E., which are now clubs.

“We’re expanding our mentoring program to the community. Every person and business I met has been so excited about the program,” said Mr. Santner. “We’ve got 130 students signed up and about 75 mentors.”

Mr. Santner said the target for this initial start was 100 mentees and 100 mentors. He said they are still looking for more mentors and encouraged faculty and staff to consider being a mentor. Dean Vecchio also discussed the college’s new QCC Food Pantry, established to address food insecurities on campus, and the CARE Team, developed to provide support for students who are struggling. The CARE Team meets weekly to stay current and informed about potential behavior concerns and situations. CARE Team members include Dean Vecchio, Assistant Dean of Students Jason Kurland, Director of Disability Services Kristie Proctor, Chief of Police Kevin Ritacco, Social Worker/Mental Health Counselor Tina Wells and Dean of Compliance Liz Woods.

Interim Vice President of Student Success Michelle Tufau Afriyie and Dean of Academic Planning Liza Smith updated faculty and staff on the Student Success Center, noting this is the first iteration of the Center and it will continue to evolve as they learn more.

Kathy Rentch, Assistant Vice President for Workforce Readiness and Innovation and Dean, Institutional Research and Planning Ingrid Skadberg updated the college on the Strategic Plan.

“This sets the roadmap for the future and is a commitment to student success,” Dr. Pedraja said. “I’m humbled and honored to work with all of you. When we work together there is no limit to what we can achieve.”

As of September 13, placement testing at Quinsigamond Community College has changed.The college has previously used the Accuplacer tests in both Math and English (an requirement for enrollment) but is now using its own math test, the QMAT and the new Next Generation Accuplacer English tests.

While the English tests are still Accuplacer tests, the mathematics test is unique to the college. The impetus for the new test was to create a math placement test that was more appropriate for placement into QCC mathematics courses.

“We are using a homegrown math test, and so far, it is working well. The test runs through Blackboard, so it is a totally different look and ‘feel’ from the former Accuplacer test,” said QCC’s Director of Testing Laura Tino. “Students start with a beginning algebra section and move through sections until they have placed into a class.” 

Once students complete the test they will receive a score 0-61, which then corresponds to a QCC math class. Previous math test Accuplacer scores are valid for two years; however, students who are interested may retest with the new math test. Math study booklets are available in the test room (s), at the math tutoring center and at advising in the Student Success Center.

For English, QCC is using the new multiple-choice Accuplacer sections, as well as the essay section, which has not changed. The two multiple-choice sections are scored along with the essay section.  The scores are then combined to generate placement into the appropriate English class. Placement in a Developmental English class is based on the Reading score alone.

In most cases, students who wish to retake the English placement tests will be taking the new test in its entirety. Those students who are already enrolled, or those who have questions about their placement and process, should speak to an Academic Advisor.

Testing is held not only on QCC’s main campus, but also at QCC Southbridge and QCC's Healthcare and Workforce Development Center.  Testing is not timed; it takes approximately three to four hours to complete both the math and English portions. Students should bring a picture ID, such as a QCC ID, school ID, passport, license or state ID and know their social security number to enter the tests.

Students are advised to study before they take the placement tests. Math and English study booklets are available in the test room, at the math tutoring center, the writing center and at advising as well as online.

For information and hours to take the placement tests, visit placement testing.

Two furry friend alpacas with doe eyes and a gentle demeanor visited Quinsigamond Community College’s main campus earlier this month, bringing a bit of happiness and a lot of smiles to the faces of students, faculty and staff. The Angel Hair Alpacas have become a staple at QCC, often visiting during the start of a semester and during exam times. Owned by Jay Cohen and Maureen Agley, of Angel Hair Alpacas of North Grafton, “Star” and “Millie,” although young (Star is 2 ½ and Millie is 1  ½) these two are already well-season show veterans and have been around people since they were three months old.

The alpacas were brought on campus through Disability Services which hosts numerous events throughout the year that offer ways for students to deal with some of their stress during peak stress times such as during exams. Mr. Cohen, whose son Jamie attends QCC, said there is always a positive response to the alpacas.

“They’re very sweet and expressive. They’re nice animals and I think people take to them,” he said.

According to Mr. Cohen, alpacas stay relatively small; weighing under 200 lbs. They are vegetarians mainly eat grass. Alpaca is a species of South American camelid, similar to, and sometimes confused with the llama.

Nichole Halbert was one of the many students who came out to visit with the alpacas. Ms. Halbert is in the college’s Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certificate program. She said this was her first semester, after deciding to go back to college after 10 years.

“I look at other colleges but they didn’t have the support I needed,” she said, adding, “I feel loved here.”

Making a commitment to promote safe and healthy behaviors is the premise behind October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  According to the Center for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC), domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. In fact, one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

At Quinsigamond Community College, the safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount today and every day. Throughout the month of October, the college will be hosting events geared to inform and bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.  

Events include:

Empty Place at the Table - Domestic Violence Scenarios: Empty Place at the Table is a powerful display to women in Massachusetts who have lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year. Compelling, moving and poignant, this is a display that shouldn’t be missed. The display will stay up until approximately 2:00 p.m. on the last day at each QCC location.

• October 1, 2, 3 at QCC’s Healthcare & Workforce Development Center, 25 Federal Street, Worcester
• October 22, 23, 24 at QCC Southbridge 5 Optical Drive, Southbridge
• October 29, 30, 31 at QCC 670 West Boylston Street, Worcester

Healthy Relationship Photo Booth: students will have the opportunity to get their photo taken holding up words that reflect their ideas of healthy relationships.The Healthy Relationship Photo Booth will be located on QCC’s Worcester campus, 670 West Boylston, Worcester.  

• October 15 in the Fuller Student Center from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• October 16 in the Harrington Learning Center from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• October 17 in the Surprenant Hall Lobby from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

One Love Escalation Film Event: Escalation is a film about Yardley Love, a college student who was killed by her ex-boyfriend. This event invites participants to define warning signs in the relationship that signal unhealthy relationship issues. Mental health professionals from Pathways for Change and The YWCA will be here to assist members of the community who find the film challenging or mirroring of some issues in their own lives. For more information, visit Joinonelove.

The showing of the film will take place at QCC’s Worcester campus, 670 West Boylston, Worcester Hebert Auditorium in the Hebert Auditorium on Tuesday, October 30 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For additional information, contact Elizabeth “Liz” Woods, Dean for Compliance and Education at LWoods [at] qcc.mass.edu.

Feeling a bit spooked by the thought of transferring? Make Wednesday, October 31 a way to exorcise those fears and attend the 2018 Fall Transfer Fair. The fair is an opportunity to meet and learn about the different colleges and transfer options available to students. Students are advised to bring their unofficial QCC transcript to learn how their classes will transfer into a bachelor degree.

The fair will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Harrington Learning Center in Room 109 A&B.

Colleges and universities in attendance will include:

• Anna Maria College
•  Assumption College
• Bay Path University
• Becker College
• Bentley University
• Boston University
• Bridgewater State University
• Bryant University
• Emerson College
• Fitchburg State University
• Framingham State University
• Johnson & Wales University
• Lesley University
• Mass College of Art & Design
• Mass College of Liberal Arts
• Mass College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
• Mass Maritime Academy
• Nichols College
• Northeastern University
• Plymouth State University
• Providence College
• Salem State University
• Springfield College
• St. Anselm College
•  Suffolk University
• Northeastern University
• University of Connecticut
• University of Maine
• University of New England
•  UMASS-Amherst
• UMASS-Boston
• UMASS-Dartmouth
• UMASS-Lowell
• Westfield State University
• Worcester State University
• Western New England University
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

For questions, email transfer [at] qcc.edu (QCC Transfer Services) call 508.854.4404.

As students get ready to enter the workforce, one of the things that can sometimes fall between the cracks is simple workplace etiquette. Do you know the dos and don’ts of workplace etiquette? They are the skills and qualities that future employers look for and that help to make you a standout job candidate and a good employee.

On Friday, Oct. 12 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Room 109A&B of the Harrington Learning Center, students can learn what employers are looking for from actual employers who will offer their thoughts on what they want to see in a potential job candidate.

This is a perfect workshop to attend prior to QCC’s Job Fair, which will be happening later in the month  on Oct. 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Harrington Learning Center, Room 109A&B.

Professional Dress is required and students must register as space is limited. Lunch will be provided. To register visit Purple Briefcase, sign in and go to the “my events” tab and look for the workplace etiquette luncheon. For question call QCC Career Development Counselor Nicole Wheeler at 508.854.7476 or email her at nwheeler [at] qcc.mass.edu .

Beginning this month, in each edition of the Wyvern Guardian we will feature a student written article, A Student Perspective.This is a way for the QCC community to experience the amazing talent of our students and a perfect way for our students to gain exposure in writing for a broader audience.

Interested in writing an article for the newsletter? Pitch your story idea to Karen Hutner at khutner [at] qcc.mass.edu and maybe you’ll be featured in the next Wyvern newsletter!

This month’s article is from QCC student Reneasia Love. Ms. Love wrote about her trip to Jamaica over the summer. Her article and photos also were featured in the September edition of the Open Door student newspaper. 

My Trip to Jamaica

During summer vacation my sister and I traveled to Jamaica to visit our family. We stayed in our family home in Spanish Town, the capital of St. Catherine and one of the largest parishes in Jamaica. Organic coconut trees, fruits, and vegetables surround our family home. The garden is brimming with beautiful and exotic flowers that fills the area with a wonderful scent.

My family and I traveled to various parts in Jamaica. One town we went to was Ocho Rios, a port town on the north coast of Jamaica that is a well-known tourist area. Aside from the luxurious resorts, cruise ships, and entertainment, Ocho Rios surrounds itself with beautiful rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. Little Dun's Waterfall is a peaceful getaway from the busy town of Ocho Rios. The waterfall surrounds itself with tropical plants and trees that leaves you in a place of tranquility. 

Visit My Trip to Jamaica for the complete article.

Did you know Quinsigamond Community College has some pretty amazing police officers who keep us safe and make our lives better each and every day? Recently four police officers were honored with some awards and we couldn’t wait to share the news! Take a moment to learn more about the four officers who were honored and if you happen to see them on campus, take a moment and congratulate them and thank them for all they do!

• Officer Catherine Dixon received the Chief’s Award – This is an annual award given to a QCC police officer for an outstanding act that brings credit to the police department and is highly recognized by other employees and citizens. Officer Dixon is the college’s Community Outreach Officer and is a familiar face on QCC’s campus.
• Officer Nicholas Yacuzzi received the Medal of Merit Award. This award, also known as the Officer of the Year award, is given annually to a non-supervisory QCC officer who distinguishes him or herself by performing his/her duties in a manner that clearly exceeds what is normally required or expected, or a highly credible police accomplishment. Officer Yacuzzi is also a former Rookie of the Year recipient.
• Officer Dillon George received the Rookie of the Year Award. This honor is awarded a QCC police officer who has less than two years of service with the department and who has consistently demonstrated exceptional competency and job performance ability within their first two year.
• Officer Todd LaBranche received both the Leadership Award and the Good Conduct Medal. The Leadership Award is presented to a QCC police officer who exemplifies the department’s values and embodies a commitment to the mission of QCC’s Police Department through a conspicuous, positive mindset and inclusive decision making, both within and outside the department. Recommendations for this award are given from both within and outside the department.
• The Police Citizen Award is awarded to a citizen who performs some heroic act not normally expected of a citizen, as well as outstanding service for the QCC Police Department. 

During the award Commendation Letters were given to Officer George, Officer LaBranche, Officer Cecchi, Officer Yacuzzi, Officer Dixon, Officer Flowers and Sergeant Litchfield. Certificates of Recognition was also given to Sergeant Cecchi, Sergeant Litchfield, Officer LaBranche, Deputy Chief Rodriguez, Chief Ritacco and Officer Dixon for their participation in No Shave November, during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as cancer.

Do you ever wonder how the mind works or why people do what they do? Psychology is the science of the mind and human behavior. If learning what makes people tick interests you, consider joining the PSI BETA National Psychology Honor Society or Psychology Club.

To be considered for the PSI BETA National Psychology Honor Society, a strong interest in psychology IS required; however, students do NOT need to be psychology majors to be considered. You can be considered for induction if you have:

• Completed at least one psychology course
• A “B” average in any psychology course taken and an overall 3.25 GPA
• Completed at least 12 credits

The deadline for applications is October 14.

If you believe that you meet the Psi Beta Induction membership requirements, please complete this form and email it to QCC Professor of Psychology Dr. Valarie Clemente, vclemente [at] qcc.mass.edu .  If you are accepted for induction, there is a one-time induction fee of $50 payable to the national organization. The induction ceremony will take place on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 12:00 p.m . - 1:00 p.m. in 109B HLC. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

The Psi Beta Honor Society and QCC Psychology Club meets every other Wednesday, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Harrington Learning Center, Room 239. For more information visit Psychology. For questions, vclemente [at] qcc.mass.edu (contact Advisor Dr. Valarie Clemente) .

Earlier this summer an exciting initiative came to fruition when Quinsigamond Community College opened three Community Learning Hubs within the City of Worcester.

These Community Learning Hubs are in prime locations throughout Worcester; at Great Brook Valley Apartments, Catholic Charities and at QCC’s Healthcare and Workforce Development Center on 25 Federal in Worcester. The Community Learning Hubs are places where current QCC students can go to study, have access to computers, a Wi-Fi connection and printers.

Current hours for the hubs are:

• Great Brook Valley at 35 Freedom Way:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sundays from 3:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
• Catholic Charities at 10 Hammond Street: Monday, Tuesdays, Thursday from 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
• QCC's Healthcare and Workforce Development Center (Room 007D) at 25 Federal Street: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Welcome Back to Quinsigamond Community College - Home of the Wyverns! We’re excited to welcome you to a new semester at QCC and our goal is for your experience to be the best it can be.

Below are several tips to help make your time at QCC as productive and enjoyable as possible.                    

• Utilize the Student Success Center located at the Welcome Center on QCC’s main campus in at the Harrington Learning Center. The Student Success Center provides you with all the support services you need in order to succeed at the college. The Center offers you a way to find whatever you need easily, and quickly all in the same location. From financial aid, admissions to advising and transfer services the Student Success Center is the go-to place for all your college needs. Unsure where to go on your first few days on campus? Go to the Welcome Center where a friendly face will greet you and help you find your way.
• Become empowered in your education with a little help from QCC’s Tutoring Center, which features both a Math and a Writing Center. There is no need to go it alone; help is always available.
• Take a break and become part of student life at QCC. The college offers a robust student life at the Fuller Student Center. Stop by to connect with other students, contribute to the student newspaper, join a special interest club or maybe you might even want to get involved in the Student Senate. A wide-range of student activities, both on and off-campus, give you a chance to expand your horizons, build leadership skills, share ideas and meet new people. There’s always something going on at the Fuller Student Center, so make sure to stop by.
• Whether or not you are a STEM (that’s Science, Technology Engineering and Math) major, the college’s QuEST Center is one location every student at QCC should check out. The QuEST Center features a high-tech CAD/CAM studio, classroom space and cutting edge labs, as well as the only Fab Lab at a Massachusetts community college. QCC’s Fab Lab enables students to use a vast array of high tech tools; from digital 3D printers, laser cutters to CAD design software and an industrial embroidery machine. During open lab space hours QCC students, faculty and staff are given the opportunity to stop by and make a project. It’s the perfect way to be creative and learn more about all that the lab has to offer!
• Download QCC’s Mobile App to get all the latest information right to your phone! The QCC Mobile App offers you access to course information, grades, and online resources. You can make bookstore purchases, utilize QCC Library services, campus maps, and much more.
• Having your student ID is important when it comes to campus events, checking out library books, using the gym and other services. Returning students who need an ID or new students who were unable to attend an orientation should visit the Athletic Center. The Athletic Center is located on QCC's main campus. Stop by during one of the following dates and times to get your ID:
  • September 4 from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
  • September 5-6 from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
  • September 7 from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
  • September 10-13 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • September 14 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Whether this is your first time on a college campus or you are a seasoned college student, QCC has all the resources you need to succeed. To learn more about what QCC, visit Quinsigamond Community College.

In one brief moment in 2014, Megan Romero’s life was forever changed. She woke up to find her husband, who had been suffering with severe pneumonia, unresponsive. Fast forward to days spent in the Cardiac Care Unit, followed by a rehab facility where he learned how to breathe again through a tracheostomy. After being discharged and sent home, two months later additional medical issues forced him back to the hospital once again fighting for his life. A fight he did not win.

Ms. Romero was now a widow with a 3 and a half year old daughter, in addition to being almost nine months pregnant with her son. For many, this would seem to be an insurmountable hardship, but Ms. Romero decided she would not let the pain of her loss define her.

“I knew after my husband passed away that I needed to get into the medical field. Nursing was not my forte as they deal with some things my stomach just could not handle. I decided to go QCC’s open house in Southbridge during the fall of 2015 to look at the programs that were offered,” she said.

Ms. Romero said she remembered all of the echocardiograms and x-rays that her husband had during his illness, and decided to sign up to attend a seminar that was required at the time for all QCC students who were interested in a medical major.

“When I went to the seminar, the instructors discussed all of the different medical fields that QCC covered. When they discussed respiratory, a light bulb just went off. I knew at that moment that was the direction I needed to go,” she said. “During the whole six months of this experience with my husband, the team that was best able to explain what was going on and make me feel comfortable was the respiratory team. They were the most knowledgeable when my husband was going through everything.”

Ms. Romero said she had incorrectly assumed respiratory therapy was a specialty that a person went into after either nursing or additional education. After learning this was not the case, she signed up to take the prerequisites to begin her respiratory care career. An additional draw of the program for Ms. Romero was that she could apply for her student license after her first year and begin working as a therapist even before she graduated.

“Not only is that a foot in the door career-wise, but you get that immediate hands-on real life experience. No other major offers this,” she said. “The program is a great program. The professors are thorough and passionate about the program and about making sure you learn. The lab is equipped with real life tools used in the hospital and new items are purchased every year to stay up-to-date and increase learning.”

Along with working in the lab (where there is a simulation room set up with a hospital bed and various equipment that is used depending on the type of emergency situation), there is a clinical aspect to the program.

“What a phenomenal tool clinical is. From the very first week you work hands-on with actual patients and equipment, which again is unlike many programs. Respiratory is also the only program that is allowed to take part in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UMass Memorial Hospital,” Ms. Romero said. “I also like that we get to experience a little bit of every field included in the respiratory therapist title. You take part in a sleep lab, pulmonary function lab, NICU, Intensive Care Unit (ICU,) regular floors and even rehab facilities. You also leave the program with your Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications, yet another unique gain with program.”

When asked how she has been able to raise an active family while working and attending school, she acknowledged that it has “taken a village” - from her parents, in-laws, family and friends, to Amy Hogan, Assistant Professor of Respiratory Care and Director of Clinical Instruction and Karen Dufault, Professor of Respiratory Care/Coordinator of the Respiratory Care Program, who are her mentors in the program.

In 2017, Ms. Romero was nominated by Ms. Hogan and was named one of QCC’s Rising Stars.

“My favorite saying is ‘Onward and up.’ I would tell any students trying to better themselves, who keep hitting obstacle after obstacle, to just keep pushing forward. Every step no matter how big or small is further than you were just a minute ago. Don't let these obstacles define you. Use them to help build you to who you are meant to be,” she said.

In June, Ms. Romero received her student license and is in the process of applying for student positions at area hospitals. She is expected to graduate in May 2019. Her long-term goals are to one day work at Boston’s Children Hospital and to be in a position where she can help others in similar situations to attend school and be a support for their success. She’d also like to one day create a scholarship in her husband’s name.

“I want people to know that your life isn’t defined or limited by the events that happen, but by what you do and how you handle them,” she said. “I have seen many people who have been in similar situations where they just crash and become isolated from the world. I've seen kids go into foster care because the parent left loses him or herself in the tragedy of their situation. Don’t let that be you. You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to keep trying.”

Visit Respiratory Care to learn more about QCC’s program.

QCC is looking for a catchy name that will represent its new food pantry and we need your help! Beginning on September 4, the QCC Food Pantry will be hosting a Name the Food Pantry Contest. Students, faculty and staff are invited to send in a suggested name for the pantry. The winner will not only receive bragging rights, he or she will also win a Farberware 10 piece Blender set! 

To enter the contest, please send your name, your suggested name for the pantry,email address and a phone number. Entries can be dropped off at the QCC Food Pantry in room 351A during normal business hours, or email your entry to foodpantry [at] qmail.qcc.edu .There will also be a box to drop off your entries at the upcoming Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Annual Cookout on October 10. Deadline for submissions is October 22. 

The winning name will be chosen on November 7.

The QCC Food Pantry was developed to help address food insecurities on campus, with the goal of helping those in the QCC community who are hungry. The pantry is stocked with non-perishables and a limited amount of fresh produce grown by PTK students in the college’s PTK Live & Learn Greenhouse and is completely funded through donations.

The new food pantry hours of operation are:

• Monday               2:00 p.m. –   5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday              8:00 a.m. –  12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday        4:00 p.m. –    7:00 p.m.
• Thursday           12:00 a.m. –  5:00 p.m.
• Friday                  8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.