Olivia Cross

Sergeant | U.S. Marine Reserves

When Olivia Cross returned home from a tour of duty in Iraq in 2009, she knew she wanted to go back to school. She had attended Quinsigamond for a year before being deployed as a radio operator in the Marines.

She returned in 2010 to complete her degree and transferred to Worcester State, where she graduated in May with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“When I came home QCC offered me the opportunity to work with professionals in the field of criminal justice,” she said. “It was a great experience. “

Ms. Cross works full-time as a waitress and bartender while continuing to serve as a Sergeant at 6th Communications Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Force Reserves. She plans coordinates and supervises installation, operation, maintenance and management of radio transmitter systems and networks. She also provides advice and technical assistance to subordinates and commanders.

Ms. Cross is a single mother to her 4-year-old son, Theodore. She plans to work in the criminal justice field in civil service, in a local, state or national level.

“Everyone at QCC was very helpful and it gave me a chance to acclimate to the college experience before transferring to Worcester State. Quinsigamond prepared me well to complete my bachelor’s degree,” she said. In particular, she mentioned a public speaking class that gave her more confidence in herself.