STCC student leaders driven by desire to help others
Student leaders stand with President John B. Cook, center. From left, Monique Selden-Riley, Rebecca Laskey, Krysta Pacheco and Aminah Bergeron.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Monique Selden-Riley wanted to get involved in a club at Springfield Technical Community College.
But then she heard about an opening for student trustee.
“Andrea Tarpey (the coordinator of Student Activities at STCC) mentioned if I went for student trustee, I’d have a real voice in helping students be heard,” Selden-Riley said. “I’d be able to advocate for students and be involved in policy making at the college, and make real change when necessary.”
Selden-Riley, of Hyde Park, Boston, is one of four new student leaders at STCC. She was elected to be the student representative to the Board of Trustees.
Other student leaders for the 2021-22 academic year are Rebecca Lasky of Ludlow, student body president; Aminah Bergeron of Westfield, vice president; and Krysta Pacheco of Springfield, chair of the Campus Activities Board.
Tarpey, the coordinator of Student Activities who works closely with the leaders, said she is thrilled to have a strong group serving their fellow students this year.
I love that STCC really provides students with the resources to succeedRebecca Lasky, STCC student body president
“I’m impressed with their dedication and commitment to STCC students,” Tarpey said. “They have shown a true desire to make sure their fellow students’ voices are heard and are successful. They want to enrich the students’ experience. I’m looking forward to working with them this year.”
The four leaders said a desire to help their fellow students motivated them to pursue the positions in the STCC Student Government Association.
“I chose to run for student body president because I love STCC,” Lasky said. “After a year as a student ambassador and participating in a work study job for STCC, I saw what issues really affected the students. Knowing this, I felt that if I became the president, I could make a difference for the students in any way that I could.”
Lasky is seeking a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which she hopes will lead to a career as a sonographer.
“I love that STCC really provides students with the resources to succeed,” said Lasky, a mother who works as a waitress in Springfield. “They want to help everyone no matter what difficult situation you may find yourself in. It’s a really great school that makes achieving your goals a reality.
Selden-Riley, the student trustee, is a mother of three who works as a mental health clinician. She hopes STCC will lead to a career in the medical field.
Bergeron sought the vice president job because she saw an opportunity to help others. “I always wanted to help people,” Bergeron said. “At my house I’m always helping my brothers. I’m the big sister to them. I’m studying mechanical engineering technology and want to help more women get into STEM fields.”
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics – the focus of many programs at STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts.
Pacheco, who is in the general studies program at STCC, serves as chair of the Campus Activities Board. It’s a role that suits her. She helps plan and host programs for STCC students.
“I like to plan events. I’m super organized,” said Pacheco, who works as a domestic violence advocate.
She hopes to get into the Respiratory Care program at STCC and pursue a career in health care.
“I want to have a career that will be good for me. I like helping others,” she said. “I think health care would be a good field to be in.”
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 unequalled 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