Highlander Highlights
Meet first-year MCC student, Mathew Ruggieri!
Mathew Ruggieri is a first-year student at MCC. He chose MCC because of its affordability, close proximity to home, and the great academic programs! His major is currently undeclared but he is interested in studying either film or business in the future. Mathew has also considered attending flight school after graduation to earn his pilots license to potentially pursue a career in aviation. Outside of school, Mathew is a videographer, spends lots of time at the gym, and participates in triathlons and beekeeping.
“MCC is fantastic. I really appreciate how the professors go the extra mile to help students out and you get to know them over the course of the year. I also really enjoy the atmosphere of campus, everyone is super friendly and the campus is beautiful.
A word of advice for other students is to not be afraid to seek out additional opportunities to make the most of your college experience, whether that's getting involved with a club or attending baseball games with friends.”
Meet MCC Student Engagement Doctoral Intern, Emma Cartisano!
Emma began working at MCC in 2021 as a doctoral intern in Student Engagement. She is a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Studies & Leadership PhD program at Baylor University. Emma chose to work at MCC during her studies as an opportunity to learn about two different types of higher education institutions.
“My favorite thing about MCC is the people. From Day 1, I was encouraged to explore my own interests and passions to shape my role around who I am as a scholar and professional. Everyone I've met has such incredible pride about attending and/or working for MCC. It's truly a culture that cares for employees and students—which in turn allows us all to thrive and reinvest in the college. I also love all the energy here. The students are passionate about the things they're involved in, and it's so exciting to be part of an institution that loves to say, 'Yes, let's make it happen.' It helps all of us to dream big and pursue the common good for those around us."
As for current students, Emma advises them to be open to learning new things about themselves, their peers, and the world around them.
“College is a clean slate—a perfect opportunity to shed layers of the past and try on new identities. College is a place where your beliefs will be challenged, and it's best to hold things with a loose grip. One thought leader describes it as having your beliefs written in pencil rather than in ink. That way, as you meet new people, take classes, and invest in opportunities, you can erase and refine what you believe about yourself, others, and the world. If you come into college with beliefs written in ink, you'll have a really hard time navigating the environment and your peers' perspectives in the classroom. You never know what incredible opportunities will come your way as you open yourself up to all that is possible!”
Meet MCC graduate and Tarleton State graduate student, Yareth Varela!
Yareth graduated high school in 2020 and decided to continue her education at MCC because doing so provided her with greater financial security and she was already familiar with the College. During her time at MCC, Yareth was involved in TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). In TRIO SSS, Yareth found mentors that helped guide her on the path to success and vividly remembers how encouraging everyone was, recalling a time when she announced that she had passed an important exam in one of her classes and everyone in TRIO SSS shared in her excitement! Outside of student organizations, Yareth loved visiting the library and other cozy places on campus to study.
Yareth graduated from MCC with her Associate of Arts and a Field of Study Certificate in social work. She continued her education at Tarleton State University, where she graduated from this May with her Bachelor of Social Work, with summa cum laude honors. Yareth is returning to Tarleton State to earn her Master of Social Work and will return to the College this fall as an intern in the CREW (Campus Resources Education Web) office!
“I advise current students to really embrace what the MCC campus offers you. There are so many helpful resources that are at your disposal so please take advantage of them! Additionally, as college students, it is super easy to feel frustrated and overwhelmed, but always remember that your mental and physical health is a priority. Do not feel guilty for taking some time for yourself to decompress and having a self-care day! You are a human before you are a student!”