When Mirelys Morales graduated from Methuen High School in 2021, she wasn’t sure what she should do next. With some gentle nudges from her parents, she decided to explore Northern Essex Community College. Now, just a few months away from graduating with her criminal justice degree and drug and alcohol counseling certificate, she is sharing how she was pleasantly surprised at what she discovered about NECC and herself.

Mirelys Morales

What made you choose NECC?
My parents sort of gave me the push to come to NECC. They kept telling me that community college is the best move to not only save money but also take general credits, such as English, math, science, and history while I figure out what I want to do with my major and take classes for my major at a lower cost.

How did you decide on your major?
I always knew I wanted to go into an area that would allow me to help and give back to others. It goes back to my mom and seeing her talk about immigration law and the passion she has to one day become an immigrant lawyer. It really inspired me and pushed me to lean towards criminal justice.

Describe a time you felt your best as a student.
A time I felt my best as a student would have to have been the day I found out about all the available resources we have. From English support to math support as well as the academic coaching room. And the amazing staff in academic coaching and all the rooms have!

What was your favorite class and why?
Forensic science by far has been my favorite class. Taking that class allowed me to learn a lot in that field and always kept me engaged and interested in the class. It also opened the opportunity for me to shadow in different fields to see if that was something I was interested in or saw myself doing.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? And if so, which ones and why was it important to you to get involved?
I played on the women’s basketball team. It was important to me because it gave me something to do after class. Playing basketball again allowed me to be active and shaped me as a person. I learned different skills and habits that I can use in my everyday life.

How did your experience at NECC shape your plans for the future?
My experience at NECC helped me a lot with my plans for the future because it allowed me to build connections and network with faculty that I can reach out to at any time! The student transfer fair and seeing different colleges and opportunities also allowed me to see all the different colleges I could attend and how my credits would transfer over.

What advice do you have for students just starting out at NECC?
Use all the available resources at NECC because it is very beneficial and helpful as well as everyone is very supportive and kind! Explore different classes and enjoy your time!

Are you a current student or recent alumni who would like to share about your experience at NECC? Email Director of Public Relations Melissa Bouse.

This story was written by public relations intern Emma Ruggiero