STCC gave alumna tools to start business and explore the world

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she was a student at Springfield Technical Community College, La’Tiara Love took a world religion class that gave her an opportunity to visit different places of worship.

“They took us to a mosque. We went to a cathedral and a synagogue,” Love said. “It was really eye-opening. It was amazing.”

She recalled a professor who would recommend books and send her words of affirmation. She carries one of the quotes with her to this day.

"I believe that many wonderful things are coming your way. Roses will line your path, I have no doubt, but do not be discouraged when you discover that roses have thorns. It's life's way of making us worthy of what we receive.”

Love, who graduated in 2008, today lives in Sarasota, Fla., and looks back at her time at STCC as transformative and inspirational. She was exposed to classes focused on religion, art, business and more. The most affordable college in Springfield, STCC offers transfer programs for students hoping to continue their college career to bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

Born and raised in Springfield and a graduate of Springfield Central High School, Love enrolled at STCC as a liberal arts student and began to learn more about the world, which she would later explore. At STCC, she earned two associate degrees: one in Liberal Arts Transfer (2007)  and a second in Business Administration (2008).

She transferred to the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

After graduating from Isenberg, she accepted an internship at Disney World in Florida. She later lived for six months in Brazil working at an orphanage and doing volunteer work. She brought Disney gear to the orphanage, handing out things like Mickey Mouse ears.

“Some of those kids probably will never be able to experience Disney. I was happy to bring a little magic and pixie dust to that area. I thought it would be profound if I brought Disney to them,” she said.

I would say the professors that I had have shaped me. I would call them more of mentors. La'Tiara Love '08, STCC alumna

Love was thrilled to explore new places and help out communities in need.

In Florida, she is part of a team that is building an Arts and Cultural Center in Newtown, a predominantly African-American community in Sarasota. Love is very involved. She is a board member of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.

Earlier this year, she co-curated an art exhibition, "Glimpse of the Artist: A Community Celebration," highlighting the cultural diversity and artistic output of Newtown.

The exhibition was displayed at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the official state art museum of Florida.

“I'm so proud of this project because this is like a dream come true for artists to say that they're hanging their art at the Ringling,” she said.

Love works as a real estate agent and also runs her own business, “A Glimpse of Love.” She makes beauty products and hopes to one day have a day spa.

She chose to go to STCC because she believed it would equip her with the tools needed to start her business and become an entrepreneur.

“STCC was the best avenue for me,” she said. “I always tell people STCC gave me the tools that I needed and the confidence to go to a four year, because when I graduated high school, I didn't feel prepared to go straight to a four-year school.”

“I have had some amazing professors at STCC,” she added. “I would say the professors that I had have shaped me. I would call them more of mentors. They really were invested in me.”

When professors at STCC heard she was going to Isenberg, Love said she received helpful advice. They told her to seek out her professors and get involved. She described them as coaches who helped her succeed later in life.

STCC Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp said Love is an example of how community colleges can be a pathway to prestigious four-year institutions like Isenberg School of Management. STCC provides students opportunities to learn about business and entrepreneurship while also getting their general education requirements as they work toward a degree.

“We have many students like La’Tiara who have gone on to start their own businesses either while enrolled at STCC or after graduating,” Kemp said. “They are able to gain the confidence and knowledge to do so with support from our dedicated faculty and staff. As La’Tiara Love’s experience shows, community colleges provide a strong foundation for students to begin their academic journey.”

Looking toward the future, Love plans to continue living and working in Sarasota and growing her business. She will be curating an exhibition at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library from July 13-Sept. 30.

Asked what advice she has for anyone considering pursuing a college degree or certificate, Love said to think about a community college education at STCC.

“STCC is a great place to give you the tools and the foundation you need to be successful in your career path,” she said. “And it has that comfort of home, too, which is valuable. If you want to get a great education at an affordable rate, STCC is the answer.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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