Healthy Community Initiative

By Naidine Villa as a Guest Columnist for the Northfield News

As a non-traditional student, I spent years feeling stuck in my educational journey, largely due to the stigma surrounding not completing my degree straight out of high school. I often found myself needing to explain my circumstances, and the thought of starting over felt daunting. However, everything changed when I was introduced to the Northfield Community College Collaborative (NCCC) by a former colleague. After I shared my struggles with mental health and self-confidence, she recounted her own positive experiences at the NCCC, highlighting its inclusive atmosphere—what I like to call a “no-judgment zone.”

Attending the NCCC has proven to be a turning point for me. It has inspired new growth, provided me with a clear sense of direction, and empowered me to embrace the positive changes I am making in my life. As a mother of a 5-year-old, I had just begun to transition back to work after being a stay-at-home mom for four and a half years. The financial burden of childcare was a significant barrier to my education, so I was floored to discover that the NCCC provides childcare at no extra cost for students attending in-person classes. This was truly a game changer for me.

It’s hard to understand why more people in our community aren’t aware of this incredible service. The support from the NCCC extends beyond childcare; I have made invaluable connections with classmates and staff members from the various nonprofits housed in the same collaborative space at the Northfield Community Resource Center, located at 1651 Jefferson Parkway. These relationships have enriched my educational experience and provided me with a supportive network that encourages personal growth.

Now, as I approach my final classes before completing my associate of arts degree and transitioning to St. Catherine University, I realize that I could not have navigated this journey without the support and care from the NCCC staff and professors. In my darker days, I often found myself caught between my responsibilities at home and my desire for personal growth. This struggle took a significant toll on my confidence and mental health for many years. But through the NCCC, I finally made the decision to prioritize my education and well-being.

I am forever grateful for my experience with the NCCC and sincerely hope that others in the community can take full advantage of this affordable and flexible opportunity to jump-start their educational journeys. The NCCC has not only changed my path but has also empowered me to reclaim my identity as a student and a mother. It is a place where dreams can begin to flourish, and I encourage anyone feeling stuck to explore what the NCCC has to offer. To learn more, visit northfieldccc.org.