STCC offers transfer option for student with a goal of working in film industry
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she was in sixth grade, Mary Mollica wrote down where she thought she would be in 10 years.
“I put down, being in movies and living in L.A.,” she said. “And then, 10 years later, I was in L.A. and working in that kind of industry. I wasn’t working in movies, but I am getting close to that point.”
Mary Kate Mollica '21
In between middle school and the fall of 2022, when she was working in Los Angeles, Mollica went to Springfield Technical Community College. At STCC, she earned her associate degree in Digital Media Production Technology in January 2022 and transferred to Emerson College in Boston. In her final semester, Mollica studied at Emerson’s satellite campus in Los Angeles, where she worked as an intern and received hands-on experience at a production studio.
It was a step in the right direction toward her dream of working in cinematography. “I would love to work behind the camera and have more say in directing,” she said.
Mollica, who grew up in Ludlow, credits STCC with putting her on the path to transfer to Emerson College, which helped her get closer to her dream career.
STCC offers hundreds of transfer options for students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree or beyond. Some students like Mollica go on to private institutions. Others leverage the MassTransfer or Commonwealth Commitment programs that provide affordable pathways to Massachusetts public colleges and universities. They can work with transfer advisors at STCC for help and guidance.
After graduating from Pope Francis Preparatory School in 2018, Mollica did not immediately apply to STCC. She started her higher education journey at a different college. She did not like the experience, and after a year, transferred to STCC and enrolled in Digital Media Production.
Being at STCC is really where I connected learning and my love for cinematography,Mary Mollica '21 Graduate of the Digital Media Production program
Students in the program produce media using industry-standard computer and cloud-based software and associated hardware. Graduates have a wide variety of career options: Video/Audio Editor, Social Media Specialist/Influencer, Educational/Broadcast Media Technician, Online Journalist, Camera Operator or Media Talent.
“Being at STCC is really where I connected learning and my love for cinematography,” Mollica said.
She credits the faculty, John Wakelin, Dan Misco and Joshua Girouard, with getting her even more excited and passionate about areas such as film, editing, and camera work.
“You could tell they really cared about what they were doing, and they had a good relationship with the students, which I noticed,” Mollica said. “There was a mutual respect, and students would feel comfortable talking to the professors.”
Unlike an experience she had at another college, Mollica said she felt free to ask questions. “I actually cared, and they made me care because they felt passionately about the subject,” she said. “I really had a good time learning here.”
Mollica said she believes she was better prepared to succeed at a four-year institution after her STCC experience than if she were to start right after high school.
Wakelin, a professor and chair of the Digital Media Production program, recalled that Mollica showed a great talent for filmmaking when she was an STCC student.
“I appreciated her dedication on all her projects,” Wakelin said. “Emerson was a great choice, and I’m excited to hear where her degrees take her in the future.”
After finishing her film production internship in Los Angeles and last semester at Emerson, Mollica is looking to start her career.
“I’m looking for anything with a camera, or editing – just something to get my foot in the door and get started,” she said. “I’m grateful that STCC prepared me for Emerson and beyond.”
Watch a YouTube video of Mary Mollica talking about STCC.
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