When I first became a student at my local community college, I was a working single mother trying to build a better life for my daughter. I had tried other colleges before, but nothing ever seemed to click. Between working full time and raising an elementary school–aged child, I needed a college offering flexibility, understanding, and structure.
Quinsigamond Community College gave me exactly that: a clear roadmap to success and a support system. Classes were available online and evenings, making higher education finally accessible to me. But beyond that, this college gave me something far more valuable than convenience. It gave me confidence.
One experience stands out clearly in my mind: Public Speaking 101.
The thought of standing in front of a group terrified me. I was deathly afraid of public speaking, so much so I dropped the class twice. It felt like something I just wasn’t cut out for. I honestly didn’t think I could do it.
But one of my professors noticed a potential I couldn’t yet see in myself and suggested I take the course online, where I could learn at my own pace and ease my way into the material. That one small adjustment changed everything.
Taking the class in that format allowed me to overcome my fear and actually discover I liked public speaking. I passed the course, and more importantly, I found my voice. That experience was life-changing.
Today, public speaking is one of my greatest strengths. As the founder of GEM Marketing Solutions, I regularly deliver keynote speeches, lead workshops, and present to organizations and nonprofits across Massachusetts. Every time I step up to a microphone, I think back to that moment when I was the scared student who once believed she couldn’t speak publicly, and the professors who showed her she could.
That’s the power of community college. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about discovering your potential through a community that truly cares.
Now, as a Quinsigamond Community College Foundation board member, I’m honored to give back to the place that gave me my start. I want to help ensure that future students, especially parents, working adults, and those who may doubt themselves, have the same opportunities to grow and thrive.
Community colleges like QCC are the quiet engines of transformation in our region. They create pathways for students who need second chances, flexibility, and support. They cultivate not just graduates, but leaders: people who go on to build businesses, strengthen communities, and mentor others.
My journey from a fearful student to a confident entrepreneur began at a community college. It’s where I learned education is not one-size-fits-all, and the right support can unlock potential you didn’t even know you had.
And to every student who’s ever felt afraid to take that first step, I can tell you this: Your path might not look traditional, but with the right support, you can go further than you ever imagined.
Jennifer Hernandez is CEO of GEM Marketing Solutions in Worcester.
