STCC offers support for student who transferred from a 4-year university

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College after trying a year at a university, Genesis Pieczarka said she felt right at home.

“STCC helped me find a foundation that I couldn’t find at a four-year school,” she said. “Being a tight, close-knit community, (STCC) helped me find connections that ensured I did well.”

Pieczarka earned her associate degree in Business Administration in January 2023. In high school, she never thought she would have pursued a business degree because she struggled with math.

She started her college journey at a big university, where she was undecided on a major. After a year of struggle, she decided to transfer into STCC.

Her interest in studying business was sparked by her job as a bank teller. She said the work helped guide her into the business administration associate degree at STCC.

 “I honestly didn’t think I could do it (study business), but upon my transition to STCC, I realized with the help of my professors and the curriculum here, I found a love for math,” Pieczarka said.

As a recent STCC graduate, Pieczarka is now taking time to figure out her next step. She is considering transferring to Elms College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management.

One of her STCC professors, Rhoda Belemjian, described Pieczarka as a hard-working student in her accounting class.

“She showed strong leadership skills and worked well with others in the class,” Belemjian said. “Genesis was helpful in groups and communicated her thoughts and ideas well. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.”

I honestly didn’t think I could do it (study business), but upon my transition to STCC, I realized with the help of my professors and the curriculum here, I found a love for math Genesis Pieczarka '23 STCC alumna

When she looked back on her accounting class, Pieczarka said it was a transformative experience. She went from being “really scared to go into business administration” to becoming a confident graduate with options to continue on with her education.

“I had the best professors. I really was shocked when I got an A in accounting, because I didn’t think I could do it. But I just kept progressing from there and I fell in love with the numbers,” Pieczarka said.

She recalled taking high level math – calculus – with Dr. Vanessa Hill.

“I was petrified,” Pieczarka admitted. “But Dr. Hill was wonderful. If you told me in high school I would have gotten an A in calculus, I would have laughed in your face.”

Pieczarka, who grew up in Springfield, said her extended family went to STCC, including her mother and two brothers, one of whom is a twin.

She said STCC is a great place to start college after high school. The only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC is the most affordable higher education institution in Springfield and offers a variety of programs in science, technology, engineering and math, healthcare, business, liberal arts and more.

“If you want to start at a community college, there is nothing wrong with it,” she said. “It’s one of the best experiences I ever had.”

Watch a YouTube video featuring Genesis Pieczarka reflecting on her STCC experience.

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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