Genesis Martinez came to the United States from the Dominican Republic three years ago, knowing very little English and nothing about the U.S. system of higher education.
“As with most immigrants, I packed not just my belongings in my baggage, but also my dreams,” said Martinez. Today, the 26-year-old Lawrence resident has become an outstanding student leader at Middlesex Community College. In fact, enrolling at MCC has become a family trend, with Martinez and her two sisters all attending the college.
Registration is now open for summer- and fall-semester courses at Middlesex – including MCC’s English Learner Institute (ELI) noncredit courses. For registration information, visit: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/
Martinez is planning to graduate in 2019 with a degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, with a concentration in History, Politics & Global Studies. She is also determined to earn degrees in sociology and become a professor one day herself, “So through learning, I can make an impact on students’ lives.”
Undeterred by language and cultural obstacles that initially left her feeling discouraged, Martinez and her younger sister, Yomeily, enrolled at Middlesex a few months after settling in the U.S. They were encouraged by their older sister, Yulenny, who was already studying at MCC.
“Getting started at Middlesex was a little bit challenging, since I did not fully understand the language or the education system in the United States,” she explained. “However, I quickly learned that MCC has great academic opportunities that can help students improve their English.”
After completing noncredit English Learner Institute (ELI) classes, Martinez challenged herself further by loading up on credit courses in English, history and social sciences. With their challenging reading and writing assignments, those classes allowed her to perfect her language skills.
As her English improved, Martinez also developed a passion for the humanities, leading her to major in Liberal Arts & Sciences. “I am looking forward to developing a critical understanding of modern social issues and human behavior,” she said. “But also I am looking forward to advocating for social change.”
As a first-generation college student, Martinez credits Middlesex professors and staff for helping her navigate the college experience. “I feel truly thankful for the professors who have taught me. They have encouraged me to push forward in my academic goals, and they also have made me aware of the different opportunities available at the college.”
But academics are not her only concentration. Martinez has also made time to enrich her life through a variety of campus club, and leadership and Service-Learning experiences. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges, and has been an Orientation Leader and First Year Champion through the Office of Student Engagement.
Martinez has served as an ELI tutor and a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader, mentoring students in the “Academic English for Bilingual Students Educated Within the U.S.” course. She has also been involved in the Multicultural Leadership Institute, and MAPP (Multicultural Achievement Peer Program), helping international students transition into campus life – like she herself did three years ago.
“I am truly thankful of all the leadership opportunities I have been able to participate in at Middlesex,” said Martinez. “All these projects and tasks that students, including myself, are able to perform improve our abilities to succeed in our further steps.”
For more information about MCC’s English Learner Institute (ELI), visit: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/internationalstudents/pac.aspx or call 978-656-3104.
Middlesex Community College is your pathway to success. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in the state, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs, plus hundreds of noncredit courses, on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, as well as online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!
