For psychology major Izaiah Igartua Rivera, coming to Northern Essex Community College following high school felt like a natural next step. His older sisters attended NECC before continuing their education, and the Haverhill native saw an opportunity to stay close to home while working toward his goals. Now, as he approaches graduation, he says what began as a practical decision quickly became something more meaningful.

“Coming to Northern Essex Community College for my associate degree was one of the smartest decisions of my life,” reflects Rivera.

A 2023 graduate of Haverhill High School and a first-generation college student, Igartua Rivera arrived at Northern Essex with a clear sense of direction. By his senior year of high school, he had discovered a passion for psychology after a memorable classroom experience.

“My teacher brought in a human brain,” he recalls. “I was mesmerized. Everything we do—how we think, how we act—comes from that. I just wanted to understand it.”

That curiosity has grown into a long-term goal: becoming a therapist and helping others better understand their own mental health.

Early on, Igartua Rivera found support through Northern Essex’s PACE program. PACE is a student support services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Referred on his very first day, he quickly became part of a community that helped shape his college experience.

“I went upstairs after scheduling my classes, started talking to them, and I was in,” he says. “From that point on, anytime I needed help, I knew exactly where to go.”

PACE provided more than academic guidance. Through the program, Igartua Rivera built friendships and found a sense of belonging that had been missing in his earlier academic experiences.

“In high school, I didn’t really have people around me who were focused on education,” he says. “It felt isolating. But with PACE, I met people who were on the same path. We pushed each other.”

That support also extended beyond campus. Through PACE, Igartua Rivera visited four-year colleges, explored transfer options, and gained a clearer vision for his future. After graduation, he plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“As a Black man, mental health wasn’t something that was really talked about growing up,” he says. “I struggled with it, and I didn’t have anyone to turn to. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger.”

That sense of purpose is rooted in his upbringing. Raised by parents who emphasized education despite their own challenges, Igartua Rivera grew up hearing a message that continues to guide him.

“My mom always told me, ‘Don’t become a statistic,’” he says. “That’s something I carry with me every day.”

Now preparing to graduate, he reflects on how far he’s come—and how quickly it all happened.

“It doesn’t even feel real yet. It feels like I just left high school.”

For students considering their next step, Igartua Rivera offers simple advice: keep moving forward.

“Take your time, but don’t stop. Even if it’s just one class—just keep going.”

Rivera is one of hundreds of students graduating from Northern Essex this spring. Read more about the college’s 64th annual Commencement here.