STCC’s diversity, affordability inspires student to succeed
Miranda Kamukala '21
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – For Miranda Kamukala, there is no better place than Springfield Technical Community College to pursue a degree and get immersed in a welcoming academic environment.
“The biggest thing for me was the diversity,” Kamukala said. “I grew up in a mostly white area so diversity was something that was very important to me in the college that I chose.”
A federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, STCC serves a diverse student population. About 30 percent of the students identify as Hispanic or Latino, while 13 percent identify as Black or African American.
Kamukala moved to Agawam, Mass., from Tanzania, in East Africa, when she was 7 years old. After graduating from Agawam High School in the summer of 2019, she considered enrolling in Salve Regina University in Rhode Island.
A cross country star in high school, Kamukala excelled as a student and received a scholarship to Salve Regina, a private, four-year liberal arts university. But even with the financial help, she factored in loans and decided she did not want to graduate with heavy debt.
“I chose STCC because it was the most affordable option,” she said.
The professors and support staff helped me. I want to thank them and the administration for helping me get to where I am.Miranda Kamukala, STCC graduate, Class of 2021
After enrolling at STCC, Kamukala never looked back. An excellent student, Kamukala was inducted into the 2021 Phi Theta Kappa All-Massachusetts Academic Team for outstanding academic achievement and exemplary student service. Students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK.
Kamukala graduated from STCC in May 2021 and will pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from American International College in Springfield. Her goal is to become a nurse midwife.
In addition to the college’s affordability and diversity, Kamukala highlighted other reasons why she chose STCC.
“The professors and support staff helped me. I want to thank them and the administration for helping me get to where I am. They helped me achieve everything that I wanted to and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I truly would not be here without all of them, without their help,” Kamukala said.
STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, offers an array of programs focusing on STEM that reflect the needs of the regional workforce in healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
“I liked the attention and focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). I’ve never seen that at any other school. That was amazing,” Kamukala said.
One of her professors, Dr. Reena Randhir, said Kamukala participated in the STEM Starter Academy research poster competition – and won.
“When I see Miranda, I see her passion,” Randhir said. “I see her leadership, her hard work, perseverance, sincerity, which is a true reflection of the spirit of Springfield Technical Community College. I am so proud of Miranda. I believe in the future she will continue to excel and be a beacon of light wherever she goes.”
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