Student Spotlights

College-level study can be difficult for anyone, but when English isn't your first language, it can be even tougher. That was initially the case for Clara Guatta-Cescuni, who was born in the Berkshires but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Now poised to graduate with a music degree, Clara has come a long way since first learning to study in English instead of her native Spanish.

The fact that Rezeda Kohlenberger passed her EMT exam a few months ago might sound straightforward, but for Rezeda — who emigrated from Russia — the journey was not easy. When she arrived in America, she went through a lengthy process to get a work permit. By the time the paperwork was complete, the spread of COVID had begun.

"I know what it's like to be without an education and what you have to do to get ahead," says Valedictorian Michael Morse. That real-world experience strengthened his resolve to better his life and set high expectations for himself. In the case of BCC, his goal was to earn a 4.0. Even so, his selection as valedictorian was unexpected.

A couple years ago, Crystal Chapman started noticing something on her way to work: BCC's "free college" billboard. Crystal had graduated from high school and entered the workforce, and soon found herself a busy mother of two with little time to think about herself. An idea started to form, but it didn't take hold just yet.

"BCC really helped me to develop good habits for practicing and learning and growing," says Logan Osorio, BCC's Class of 2024 Salutatorian and music major. "Whether I'm at a different school or when I'm practicing piano when I'm 35, BCC has prepared me to learn more, and more efficiently, in the future."