With 126,000 followers on TikTok and multiple press and media appearances sharing his experience with the MassReconnect program, Business Transfer student Pedro Rentas is a familiar face. Now, he plans to use that recognition to advocate for his fellow students as the new president of the Northern Essex Community College Student Government Association (SGA).

“I’m going to meet with all of the clubs on campus and go into some classrooms. I want people to know who I am and what I can do for them,” says Rentas.

Outgoing SGA President Elijah Antunes (left) swears in Pedro Rentas

Rentas is well-versed in mass communication. Born in San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic, and raised in the city of Higüey, he worked his way up through the broadcasting industry there, eventually landing a role as a reporter for a nationally televised, weekly magazine-style show. Then, in 2015, he had the opportunity to move to the United States with his siblings. Though it meant giving up a career he’d worked hard for, Rentas says it was worth the sacrifice. He eventually settled in Haverhill, married his husband Jesse, and found steady work in banking while his TikTok channel slowly started to accumulate followers.

As his personal brand grew, he thought he could benefit from some business know-how. Rentas first came to Northern Essex in the fall of 2023 for a training program. That’s when he learned about MassReconnect. It was, at the time, a brand new program making community college free for Massachusetts residents over the age of 25 who did not already have an associate degree.

Rentas working as a journalist in the DR

“I think many people who come here from my country think that college here [in the United States] means taking out loans. I’m old, I’m afraid of loans,” jokes Rentas who is now 39. “I heard about the MassReconnect Program and I said, ‘Sign me up! Right away!’”

Rentas immersed himself in classes immediately, taking a full course load. In early 2024, he became involved in SGA. He first served as marketing chair and then became the vice president of the Lawrence Campus. Inspired by his positive attitude and resourcefulness, SGA members then asked him if he’d be the next president.

“I believe that is not enough to just want change,” reflects Rentas. “You must go and make that change happen; I am so proud to be a Dominican who is doing good things for his community.”

Outgoing SGA president Elijah Antunes swore Rentas in as the new president in late November. Rentas says, according to his research, he is the first person from the Dominican Republic to lead the group.

“More than 47% in our community college are Hispanic students, the majority are from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and now the president is also Dominican. This is a door that now is open for more people like me to continue an inclusive and diverse environment.”

Rentas says top issues he plans to address as president include:

• addressing student mental health
• ensuring students have access to food resources
• increasing collaboration with other community college student government leaders
• increasing access to English for Speakers of Other Languages classes

“There are so many people that I want to thank for their support during my journey in the United States and Northern Essex Community College. I don’t want to miss anyone, so to all of you: thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The SGA meets twice a month on both the Haverhill and Lawrence Campuses and via Zoom. To learn more about the SGA and how to get involved, visit the webpage.