Northern Essex Community College

Student Spotlight: Brendan

 
Brendan is in his third semester in the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) at Northern Essex Community College (NECC). He is also a student at Andover High School and participates in the Transition Opportunities Program (TOPS). Brendan truly is enjoying his classes and experience at NECC. When asked about the MAICEI Program, Brendan responded, “I really like it because I get to take a regular class and meet new people.”

Brendan’s first class at NECC was First Year Seminar, which introduced strategies for personal, academic and professional success. In Spring semester, 2018, he enrolled in Introduction to Theater and reported that, “It was amazing! I loved it; the teacher was amazing and the class outstanding.” For this Fall semester, Brendan is enrolled in Hospitality and Tourism where he is learning about the hospitality services industry including food service, lodging, tourism and management. When asked about this class, Brendan responded, “I am learning about hotels and how they function and make money. My favorite part is food and beverage.”

According to Brendan’s Introduction to Theater instructor, “he has a thirst for knowledge and a fantastic spirit.” Brendan’s instructor for Hospital and Tourism mentioned, “He is very courteous and polite, stays on top of the subject matter and participates with enthusiasm. He brings vitality to classroom conversations and does not hesitate to contribute. He is a great attribute to the class.”

Brendan has been utilizing campus resources at NECC such as accessing the library, working out in the Sport and Fitness Center, using the recreation room, having lunch on campus in the dining areas, going to the bookstore, joining the Dance Club and working with the Learning Accommodations Center. Brendan has participated in a number of internships in his community. He is currently interning at the Lawrence General Hospital cafeteria where he serves breakfast. Brendan has participated in previous internships working in food preparation at the Senior Center, supply room and mailroom at Pfizer and interned as a recreation assistant at Brightview Senior Living. Brendan has been actively involved in community theater and will play the part of Robin Hood in the production of Shrek this fall. Brendan enjoys singing, participates in musical production ensembles and has been selected for solos in a number of productions. Since May 2018, Brendan has been working at a restaurant in his community as a food preparation worker. In the future, Brendan hopes to work as a chef and continue to be an active participant in theater productions.

Campus Overview

 
At Northern Essex Community College, our mission is to educate and inspire our students to succeed.  We are committed to unlocking the potential within each student and to empowering our diverse community of learners to meet their individual goals.

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA, Northern Essex serves more than 6,000 students, a third of whom are Hispanic. We offer over 70 degree and certificate programs preparing students for transfer to a four-year college or university or to enter the workforce. We also provide a full range of support services including career planning and advising, financial aid assistance, veteran’s services, tutoring services, support for students with disabilities, child care and more.

Northern Essex Community College is committed to fully engaging our students as active learners by providing a diverse range of educational experiences. We are a community college dedicated to creating vibrant and innovative opportunities that encourage excellence and enhance the cultural and economic life of our region.