Nick Jeffrey will be recognized during the Housatonic Community College (HCC) virtual graduation ceremony today. He entered the engineering program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) as a first semester Junior in January 2020, and his experience at HCC prepared him well for the transition.
Jeffrey finished his degree from HCC in December 2019, and will receive both the Paul Doane Memorial Award for continuing his education in engineering, and the Betty Mackey Mentorship Award for displaying the qualities of a good mentor.
After a stint at UCONN, and some time off to regroup, Jeffrey thrived at HCC.
"I was more comfortable at HCC, classes were smaller and there was a real sense of community,” said Jeffrey. “When it came time to transfer to a four-year school, I looked for smaller schools so I could still have that feeling."
While at HCC, Jeffrey impressed his professors and was asked to become a Supplemental Instruction Leader. To prepare, he took it upon himself to take a public speaking course.
"I'm kind of introverted and shy, the course helped me get ready. I did my own version of the differential equations and physics lectures, providing visual aids for the students. It was a great experience," he said.
Additionally, Jeffrey tutored visiting high school students in HCC's Manufacturing College Connections program who were struggling with Manufacturing Math over January break right up until the day he left for RPI to begin Spring 2020 as a full-time Engineering student.
“Community colleges offer smaller class sizes than larger schools, allowing students to typically receive more personal attention from their professors, and the opportunity to build a solid foundation before transferring to a four-year college,” said Dr. Thomas G. Coley, Acting President Housatonic Community College and Regional President, CSCU Shoreline-West. “Nick’s hard work and commitment to learning at HCC prepared him well for the next step in his academic journey, and we are proud to call him an HCC graduate.”
About Housatonic Community College
Serving southern Connecticut for over 50 years, Housatonic Community College (HCC) offers a student-centered, high quality and accessible education through more than 75 majors and degree programs to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. The college also offers occupational certificate programs, and the non-credit division partners with local business and industry to offer workforce training and customized professional development. HCC is distinguished as an Achieving the Dream Leader Institution and is ranked by the Aspen Institute among the nation’s top 150 community colleges.
Caption For Photo Above: Nick Jeffrey graduated from Housatonic Community College, and is already enrolled as a Junior in the engineering program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).