Human Services grad found balance with work, family, and college life at NCC

Nashua Community College Human Services graduate Sandra DeLosa serves as the Welfare Administrator for the Town of Merrimack.

“My passion is helping families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homeless move on to secure housing and become self-sufficient.”

Sandra lives in Nashua with her husband and 14-year-old son, and is a lifelong Gate City resident.  She had been working for the City of Nashua’s welfare department, which works closely with the Town of Merrimack, when she heard about the job opening leading the department in Merrimack.  “I thought this would be a great advancement in my career.”

Sandra started down this career path by enrolling in the Human Services associate degree program at NCC in 2011.

“I was never interested in the big college route and did not want to live away from home. I became a young mom and the flexibility of the community college worked out perfectly for my situation.”

Thinking back on the community college experience, Sandra said the affordability, flexible class schedules, and the support and guidance she received from advisors and professors were a big help. “I was able to work part time and attend NCC. The flexibility of being able to take day and night classes made it easy to work around my work schedule.”

After graduating from NCC, Sandra was able to complete her bachelor’s degree. “I transferred my credits to Southern New Hampshire University and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.”

While at NCC, the internship experience required by the Human Services program helped reinforce her career goals.

“I knew I wanted to go into Human Services but there are many aspects to that, and the internships really helped me find the right role for me. The agency I interned with ended up hiring me and I was able to gain more valuable experience which has led me to my current role as the Welfare Administrator for the Town of Merrimack.”

Specifically, Sandra said now-retired professor, Jayne Barnes, played a huge role in supporting and guiding her during her NCC journey.

“I am thankful I was able to further my education and receive a degree without having to go take out a large amount of student loans. The Community College provided me with an affordable education.”

 

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