EPISODE 46: Jose explores certifications, the arts and campus life at Holyoke Community College

When Jose Perez finished high school in Massachusetts, he took the advice of counselors who advised him to check out the range of opportunities at his local community college. He says it's been all good - Jose has taken courses towards certification to become an educational paraprofessional, some music classes, an ASL course, and participates in several campus organizations and clubs, including the student senate. He's also dedicated to working with campus police on de-escalation techniques, as he himself experienced improper treatment when hospitalized. Jose has been enrolled in classes at HCC for a few years and takes the paratransit to campus, something he learned to do after the pandemic. Now he's looking forward to getting his certification so he can help students in the same transition program he used when charting a path from high school to vocational training. He's joined on this episode by Rebecca Leporati, a counselor at HCC, who explains the scope of degree and non-degree options for community college students.