Navy Veteran Kati Manuel Pursues Dreams at Middlesex Community College

After a distinguished career spanning 16 years as a Navy corpsman, Kati Manuel has returned to Massachusetts to pursue a degree in health care administration at Middlesex Community College (MCC). Now a reservist, Manuel is utilizing her veteran education benefits to support her transition back into academic life.

“My ability to receive veteran benefits was the deciding factor to go back to college,” she stated. The balance of being a full-time student, a mother, and holding a part-time job was daunting. With these education benefits, she has found a sustainable way to manage her responsibilities. “My time here so far at MCC has been new and exciting.”

At MCC, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) plays a pivotal role in her journey. This center offers a range of services, including academic and career advising, mental health resources, and events designed to foster community. For Manuel, the VRC has eased her transition by helping her connect with classmates and providing a supportive environment on campus.

In addition to her studies, Manuel serves as a supplemental instruction leader at MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment. In this role, she aids fellow students in achieving academic success.

“I find it important to my mental health to be active,” said Manuel. She participates in various campus events, from job fairs to poetry readings, believing that engagement is crucial for well-being. “Being able to interact with others and feel like a part of a community is an entirely different kind of self-care,” she added.

Manuel has also found strong support from her professors, particularly Amanda Todisco, who creates a positive and engaging classroom atmosphere. This supportive environment enhances her understanding of course material, crucial for someone with her extensive background in the medical field.

With experience in emergency and family medicine, as well as general surgery, Manuel is building on her knowledge in the health care administration program. “I have always been proud of the work I have done,” she reflected. “After many years of being hands-on, it is time to step back and do what I do best — lead others to success.”

Choosing MCC was influenced by a family member’s positive experience at the college. She appreciates the flexibility of attending classes in both Bedford and Lowell, as well as the option to take courses online. Additionally, the Credit for Prior Learning program acknowledges her military service, providing her with valuable credits toward her degree.

Looking ahead, Manuel plans to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, with aspirations to complete a Master of Health Administration. She views her time at MCC as a crucial stepping stone in her educational journey. “The skills I learn and the experience I gain here at MCC gives me the framework to continue to move forward,” she concluded.

With her unwavering determination and the support of the community at MCC, Kati Manuel is on a promising path toward achieving her career goals in the health care sector.