At 17 years old, Northern Essex Community College student Kenberly Prospere already had a foothold in the healthcare field. Working as a Medical Assistant confirmed her early plan to pursue nursing, and when she enrolled at Northern Essex, she expected to stay on that path. What she didn’t expect was how quickly her vision for the future would evolve — or how deeply Northern Essex’s support systems, particularly Career Services, would shape her journey.

Like many first-generation community college students, Kenberly approached higher education cautiously. “I heard stories about people going into debt, realizing college was not the right fit for them, and still having to pay off student loans for years,” she says. “Living on campus wasn’t an option, so going to a college close to home was important. My cousin who had attended NECC encouraged me to try it for just one year.”

Nearly two years later, Kenberly says she is confident she made the right choice.

As she began taking classes, one course shifted her perspective. “While taking classes at NECC, especially Introduction to Psychology, I discovered a strong interest in psychology and psychological research,” she says. That realization prompted her to change her major to Psychology, with an anticipated graduation date of Fall 2026. The flexibility to explore new interests without the financial pressure of a four-year institution gave her room to grow academically and personally.

Even after choosing her major, Kenberly wasn’t sure what careers were available within the psychology field. Wanting clarity, she scheduled a meeting with Career Services through NECC’s Navigate platform. That appointment proved transformative. During her first meeting, she connected with Katie Yeaton-Hromada, a career advisor who helped her explore psychology-related career paths and discuss next steps.

At the same time, Kenberly faced a challenge familiar to many students: finding work that fit her full-time, in-person class schedule. “Juggling school while working two jobs and managing life responsibilities has been incredibly challenging,” she explains. Car troubles, family crises, and wellness needs added to the strain, making flexibility essential.

Recognizing this, her career advisor introduced her to Handshake, NECC’s job and internship platform, and explained the benefits of the work-study program. Through work-study, eligible students can earn money in part-time, on-campus or community-based roles that accommodate academic schedules while building professional skills. For Kenberly, it offered stability and opportunity.

She soon began assisting the Career Services office as a federal work-study student — a role that aligned with her interests and allowed her to stay engaged on campus. More than a job, it became a learning experience. She gained hands-on exposure to career advising, professional communication, and the inner workings of student support services. Just as importantly, she found mentors.

One of those mentors was her supervisor, Sandy Rochon, whose guidance left a lasting impression. Sandy emphasized the importance of networking, confidence, and self-presentation — lessons Kenberly continues to carry with her.

Through Career Services, Kenberly also gained access to job fairs and employer connections that opened new doors. One opportunity stood out: ABA Centers of America. By showing up with her resume, “and a positive attitude,” Kenberly added, she earned an offer to join their team, where she will receive paid certification and work with children with autism — a role that perfectly complements her psychology studies and passion for working with children.

Looking ahead, Kenberly plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. She has already explored transfer options through NECC college fairs, including both state and private universities. Another possibility is continuing her work in the ABA field while pursuing graduate studies through employer-supported tuition assistance programs.

For Kenberly, the most powerful lesson from her experience is simple but profound: support exists, even when it feels hard to see. “Even when you feel hopeless, there are many opportunities available,” she says. “So do not become close-minded.”

Her advice to fellow NECC students reflects the same message. She encourages them to take advantage of the college’s resources — from scholarships and internships, to career guidance and mental health services — and to surround themselves with people who want to see them succeed.