For many students, the decision on where to pursue higher education can be a daunting one. However, for one Northern Essex Community College student, the choice was clear.

Growing up in the Lawrence and Methuen area, Mary Hopwood expressed how fortunate she felt to have a community college near her. “We’re lucky to have such a good institution so close to home”, she shared.

After spending a few years in Texas and taking a step back from school, Hopwood returned to the Merrimack Valley. Recalling everything her family, friends, and neighbors have said about NECC, she chose the school as the natural next step in her educational journey.

What really drew her in was NECC’s strong ties to the community and its focus on making an impact beyond just academics.

Mary Hopwood

“It feels like NECC cares about the community they’re a part of,” Hopwood said, adding “that makes it a special place for students and locals.”

Determining a college major can often be a difficult process, but for Hopwood, it felt like a natural process. “I think I am naturally inclined to listen to people talk about their problems,” Hopwood joked.

Drawing from her past experiences in the restaurant industry where her primary role often involved slinging elaborate drinks and advice, Hopwood felt affirmed that she wanted to pursue a career in psychology.

“The best part about working in restaurants was connecting with people who needed someone to talk to,” she reflected.

Hopwood’s planned focus will be on abnormal and criminal psychology, particularly counseling within and after the criminal justice system. This desire stems from a genuine passion for helping individuals facing significant challenges, and also recognizing that this field can often go overlooked.

Hopwood’s time at NECC has also been marked by her active involvement in the Student Affairs Committee where she has been an advocate for student voices.

A memorable experience for her was participating in an open forum for the committee, “It is so important to me that the student voice is heard beyond just my own,” she said. Hopwood sought to create a space where students could feel empowered to share their perspectives on issues that directly impacted them.

One of the projects she’s particularly proud of is her work on addressing food insecurity on campus. As a part of the committee, she helped tackle this issue, working on re-establishing grants. Through these initiatives, the food insecurity programs were able to reach more students in need.

As she nears the completion of her studies at NECC, Hopwood’s experiences have shaped her vision for the future. She plans on applying to four-year institutions, hoping to attend UMass Lowell and continue her journey in the field of psychology. Ultimately, Hopwood hopes to become a Doctor of Psychology, contributing her skills to both the mental health field and criminal justice system.

For those just starting their educational journey, Hopwood offers some advice: “Give yourself the time to learn your wants and needs.” Hopwood, having taken a break from school after high school, emphasizes the importance of working on your own timeline in order to truly understand what you want out of your education.

She shared, “college is not just about finishing a degree. It’s about knowing what you expect out of your experience and becoming the person you want to become.”