From the first moment Alex Ostrowski stepped on campus for a tour, she felt a sense of belonging at Middlesex Community College. From Carlisle, Ostrowski gets support from professors and classmates as she pursues her passion for art by studying graphic design at 51猎奇.
鈥淢y experience at 51猎奇 has been amazing,鈥� Ostrowski said. 鈥淚鈥檝e met so many nice and accepting people on both campuses. I love all the professors I鈥檝e had while studying at 51猎奇. They show that they care about their students and give help when they need it.鈥�
Graphic Design Professor Jeanne Cronin stands out to Ostrowski the most as having made an impact on her experience at Middlesex. In addition to being a supportive professor, Cronin has advised Ostrowski by helping her create a plan for her class schedule and answering questions outside of class.
鈥淧rofessor Cronin puts so much of her time and effort toward teaching and helping her students, and I really appreciate that about her,鈥� Ostrowski said. 鈥淪he is truly a gift to 51猎奇.鈥�
Ostrowski has had a passion for art since she was a child. Creating a self-portrait for an art project in middle school inspired her love for her craft, particularly for drawing human anatomy. From working hands-on on projects for class to interacting with professors and classmates at 51猎奇, Ostrowski enjoys exploring the different aspects of her major.
鈥淓ver since I finished my graphic design class in high school, I knew I wanted to continue studying art and design, so that鈥檚 how I knew instantly what I wanted my major to be at 51猎奇,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also enjoy that there are many different types of art, from painting on a canvas to drawing digitally on a computer. I love all that art has to offer.鈥�
Ostrowski chose to start at 51猎奇 to save money, get more experience in her major, and make sure she could succeed at the college-level. So far, she feels she has benefitted from the affordable options and small class sizes. After graduating from 51猎奇, she plans to transfer to a four-year college and has a number of options available to her, including through the MassTransfer system.
鈥淢y experience at 51猎奇 has been amazing. I鈥檝e met so many nice and accepting people on both campuses. I love all the professors I鈥檝e had while studying at 51猎奇. They show that they care about their students and give help when they need it.鈥� - Alex Ostrowski, 51猎奇 Student
At the Fall 2023 Scholarship Ceremony in November, Ostrowski鈥檚 hard work was rewarded. She received the New England Woodcarvers Scholarship in support of students pursuing a degree in the arts. In helping her pay for classes and the cost of textbooks, Ostrowski said the award 鈥渕eans the world to me.鈥�
This support is making the difference in helping Ostrowski reach her ultimate goal of staying on track to get a job working as a graphic designer.
鈥淚 love that the New England Woodcarvers support the arts in such a way and believe that I can succeed in whatever I put my heart and mind to,鈥� she said. 鈥淎rt has always held a huge place in my life, and I am so grateful to both the New England Woodcarvers and the 51猎奇 Foundation for supporting my dream as an artist.鈥�