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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

President's Wednesday Message


Today, I'm turning my Wednesday Message over to our outgoing Student Trustee Megan Scott.  Her leadership on the Board has been truly invaluable.  Megan took her role in representing our students very seriously, serving as a confident, intelligent, gracious, and winning voice for her peers.  A while back, Megan wrote a Speaking Out piece for the Democrat and Chronicle that was, unfortunately for Rochester, never published.  I share it with you today, as we head toward Commencement, so that you can hear from one student how much MCC has meant to her.  As you read it, I hope you will think about all the Megans you inspire each year.  What they learn from you ... and what we all learn from them!  Thank you, Megan!  

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY MEGAN SCOTT
In response to Sunday’s article on the upward spiral of private college costs, I would like to point out that Monroe County has a hidden gem in our community.  We are fortunate to have an affordable alternative that offers students an excellent college experience during their first two years: Monroe Community College.  MCC has helped to shape the person I have become without breaking my budget. 

Because I didn’t want to accrue huge amounts of debt while discovering what I wanted to study, I began my liberal arts education at MCC.  I was “painfully shy,” as one of my early professors described me.  After being encouraged to get involved on campus, I began taking my studies from Social Psychology of the Holocaust and applying those lessons by becoming involved in the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Project, a student club.  While I worked on developing my confidence and leadership skills, I explored my intellectual interests.  After my fall 2009 semester, I earned my associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences:  General Studies and my certificate in Advanced Studies.  Additionally, I gained the confidence I needed to decide that I wanted to be a registered nurse. 

I was able to work towards my associate’s in nursing at an affordable price in a classroom with a diverse set of peers.  The program at MCC is highly esteemed; hospitals view MCC graduates as well prepared for the nursing profession and ready to be leaders in the field.  During my last year at MCC, I have had the good fortune to serve as the student trustee on MCC’s Board of Trustees, learning more about the college’s operation and speaking on behalf of my peers.  I will graduate in June and I am confident that I have all the skills necessary to be successful in my new job as a pediatric nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital. I will continue my education, accessing tuition benefits offered by my new employer. (How’s that for a smart financial decision!)

I may have taken a different educational route, but I found quality and affordability in one place: MCC. Had I begun my education at a private college or university, I would have paid the price in debt and I may not have had the one-to-one interaction with my professors who took a genuine interest in me and my development as an individual.  I thank MCC for the excellent academic preparation and the important role they have played in shaping who I’ve become as a student, graduate nurse, community member, and individual. 


Please share your thoughts on the blog.

Anne M. Kress
President's Office
05/23/2012