STCC student overcomes language barrier to earn science degree

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – While visiting friends in Springfield, Lucy Alcantara, who lived her entire life in the Dominican Republic until three years ago, made a bold decision: She decided to leave familiar shores behind and stay in Massachusetts to pursue a college degree.

When she enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College in the fall of 2022, Alcantara was in her early 20s and spoke only Spanish. STCC turned out to be an ideal fit. The college is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution.  This designation requires that 25 percent of its students identify as Hispanic. Approximately 34% of STCC students identify as Latino/a/x.

With a passion for chemistry, Alcantara enrolled in the Chemistry Transfer program at STCC. She said that her first semester at STCC was not easy. To prepare for her academic journey, Alcantara took an online class to learn English. Despite her taking the online class, in her degree -related courses, Alcantara did not feel confident to speak up. She understood English but was still working on developing conversational skills.

“I was so scared,” she said. “I recorded the professors’ lectures and would listen back when I got home.”

She recalls that one professor encouraged her to speak up in class and not worry about her accent or speaking perfectly. “He gave me confidence,” she said. “I also got a lot of help from the people from the STEM Center. I always felt super comfortable talking to them.”

Two years later, she is now on track to graduate in May 2024 with a degree in Engineering and Science Transfer (major in Chemistry Transfer).

Dr. Melishia Santiago ’05, assistant dean of the School of STEM, comes from a similar background and could identify with Alcantara. Santiago will be applauding Alcantara and other students at the STCC Commencement at the MassMutual Center on May 30 at 6:30 p.m.

We’re proud of Lucy for the hard work she has put in to get her degree. Dr. Melishia Santiago, Assistant Dean for the School of STEM

“We’re proud of Lucy for the hard work she has put in to get her degree,” Santiago said. “I can relate to her journey. I learned English when I came to STCC and received the support I needed to get my associate degree. We encourage anyone who has the desire to get an education to consider STCC, which offers support and services for students to help eliminate language barriers and other obstacles.”

Dr. Santiago not only succeeded at STCC, she went on to earn higher degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from Clark University in Worcester. She joined STCC as assistant dean in 2023.

Alcantara plans to transfer to Westfield State University in the fall of 2024 to pursue a bachelor's degree in chemistry.

During her year and a half at STCC (Alcantara was able to transfer the college credits that she earned in the Dominican Republic), she has been busy and active. She participated in the STEM Starter Academy, which helps students launch their academic journey. She also serves as an intern at Applied Chemistries in Agawam to gain experience working in a lab setting and working with a chemist. In addition, she works overnight shifts as a caregiver for the Mental Health Association.

“I’m always tired, but I want everything at the same time. I want a degree, I want experience and I need the money,” Alcantara said. “It’s super hard, but if I don’t go and get it, I don’t have it.”

Her goal is to continue after STCC to earn a bachelor’s degree and possibly to continue with her education to pursue a master’s or doctorate. She knows that a chemistry degree opens doors to a variety of jobs. She could work in the medical or pharmaceutical industry as a chemist, or go into teaching.

“What I really like is environmental chemistry and studying water and air,” she said. “I just passed the Basic Drinking Water Treatment class. It’s super cool. I’m going to take the state exam to get my license to be a water treatment operator.”

The noncredit Water Treatment class is offered at STCC free for students who are currently enrolled at the college. The program is a partnership between STCC, the Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA) and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission.

As a woman pursuing a STEM degree, Alcantara is part of a minority. Approximately one-third of women are employed and enrolled in STEM careers. Despite this national underrepresentation of women in the STEM careers and programs, Alcantara said she’s felt comfortable and accepted at STCC, which encourages women and people of color to pursue STEM majors.

The School of STEM’s dean and assistant dean are women. STCC has 12 full-time female faculty in the disciplines of mathematics and engineering. The college also established a Society of Women Engineers chapter.

Alcantara offers advice to any woman or girl or person of color thinking of pursuing a STEM degree.

“Do it because there are not enough students going for science majors,” she said. “We need more people in the science field.”

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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