Student and Alumni Testimonies

What are you majoring in at HCCC?
Radiography

What year do you anticipate graduating?
August 2027

Why did you choose your program?
I have always been interested in Medical Imaging and had a previous interest in sonography. When I discovered that HCCC offered this program, I got a breakdown of its contents from an alumnus. I signed up for a tour, and the staff honesty and new facilities pushed me to pursue Radiography as my major of choice.

What groups or clubs do you participate in at HCCC?
I have not joined any organizations at HCCC, but I am interested in the Nursing club and the Film club.

How is your time at HCCC preparing you for a career in your field?
Different clinical sites (20!) give you a thorough understanding of what to expect in different radiographic work settings. This includes operations in Essex County, Manhattan, Staten Island, and more! There is a variety of technology available at each clinical site that helps round out your knowledge. Hospitals may concentrate on severe trauma, and have students practice in the emergency department or within operating rooms. By being exposed to multiple environments, students will be able to apply these skills after graduating to any future job site. The instructors are involved in engaging their students. Furthermore, the students participate in NJSRT, a statewide competition that tests your radiography skills and knowledge. I look forward to this highlight every year!

What are your future plans after you graduate from HCCC?
After graduating, I plan to earn my licensure for CT and MRI scans through cross training at one of our clinical sites or joining a separate program.

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Company:
Bayada Health

Major at HCCC?
Nursing

Year of Graduation: 2024

Why did you choose your program?
I was a Nursing major at HCCC. I started my prerequisites in 2010 and was trying to get into the nursing program. Unfortunately, I missed the deadlines, so rather than having another delay, I applied to the LPN program at Holy Name and was able to graduate as an LPN. I worked as an LPN for 8 years and then decided to come back and finish what I started at HCCC and applied for the LPN-RN program.

I am the only person in my family who is in healthcare. My family is Pilipino, and my mom would say why choose nursing when you have so many choices here in the U.S? It is because I grew up surrounded by healthcare, I spent a lot of time in hospitals, dialysis centers and had the opportunity to see the difference nurses made in the care of patients and their families. The calm presence made such a difference for all of us. It was especially impactful after my father passed, as he really wanted to see me pursue my RN. He missed seeing me graduate, but he was provided such a dignified death. I want to be for others what those nurses were for us.

What possibilities has a degree or certificate from HCCC provided you?
If you had asked me 5 years ago if I could be sitting here, the answer would have been NO! I could not have imagined it. But here I sit as a Clinical Manager at a company I love. Some of the nurses who work in Hudson County and whom I directly manage are also alumni of HCCC. I have just started my job as a clinical manager in March 2025.

Without HCCC, I would not be here. When I came back to HCCC to finish, I was a husband, son, and father and working full time. HCCC weekend program allowed me to do all the things and pursue my nursing education. I could not have done it without the weekend program. So, a big shout out to Dr. Byrd, who has enabled this program. I have to send her her flowers! A further shout out to the faculty of HCCC - Stanley Parrable, Julie Giordano, Brie Taquito, and Dorante Richards – as well as my incredible weekend cohort.

Nursing is incredibly challenging, and I am still in contact with my cohort today! We all supported each other. My best pieces of advice: Do not let perfection get in the way of being great!

You’ll be surprised at what you're actually capable of. In nursing, especially in the ASN program, the people by your side will understand what you’re going through the most – be each other's support system.

How has your time at HCCC prepared you for a career in your field?
HCCC excelled at flexibility – I had to retake A&P 1 and 2 as my courses had expired. I was able to do them online. With the support of the weekend program, I could continue my education as I worked full time, took care of an ill parent, and am a husband and father. I learned tremendous skills and had incredible support from faculty, staff, and peers. I was able to graduate and pass my NCLEX. This even with having to take a year off due to back surgery and my father’s passing. It was difficult to come back after that – but I am thrilled that I did. My peers were my inspiration to go into management – and when they awarded me my nursing award – it was the GOAT Award! Very proud of that and it is still on my desk today.

What have you gone on to do in your career or education after HCCC?
I was always encouraged to continue my education, by all my faculty at HCCC. After graduating with my AS in Nursing in 2024, I immediately started my RN-BSN at William Paterson, which I have just completed!

I am still looking forward to working with students as an alumnus. When I was a LPN, one of the alumni spoke with all the divisions and it inspired me to work with students in that role. To be a mentor and a leader. I reached out to Dr. Byrd to do just that, so this, today was perfect!

As a graduate of HCCC, and now a Clinical Manager in Hudson County, I passively told my director that we should connect with HCCC. We know they understand Hudson County. She loved the idea and looped in with Mark, who connected with you! And here we are!

I am incredibly grateful for my time at HCCC, as I am for my time at Bayada. I have been at Bayada since 2017 and it has been incredible. I absolutely love the culture here, and the support. I never had to worry while I was pursuing my degrees, taking care of an ailing parent, and being a parent. We are encouraged to prioritize family. Valued education and work life balance. This has helped me to succeed as a nurse, person, and employee.

Did you take advantage of Career and/or Transfer Services when you were here?
I took advantage of the faculty and staff. Missed out on intros, you are with your cohort for two years, as I came as part of the Bridge program. I was welcomed and made connections with my fellow students. I could not take advantage of many resources as I was a weekend cohort. Many resources were not available when I was here.

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Major at HCCC:
Business Administration A.S.

Year of Graduation:
Spring 2025

Why did you choose your program?
From the start of my academic journey at HCCC, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the business field, with a particular interest in finance or supply chain management. I chose this program because it offers a comprehensive range of courses that allow me to explore different aspects of the business world, while also providing a seamless pathway to transfer into a four-year university program.

What possibilities has a degree or certificate from HCCC provided you?
During my spring semester, I had the opportunity to complete a paid internship with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as a Port Policy and Planning Intern. In this role, I gained valuable experience by managing payroll submissions to ensure accuracy for reimbursements and assisting in the development of applications for national grants. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue job opportunities that align with my associate degree and allow me to continue building my skills in the business field.

How has your time at HCCC prepared you for a career in your field?
The courses I completed at HCCC equipped me with skills that have been valuable in both professional and academic settings. These include public speaking, time management, and technical proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Additionally, the resources such as the EOF and B.E.S.T program provided me with opportunities to strengthen and be confident in my leadership skills.

What have you gone on to do in your career or education after HCCC?
After completing my studies at HCCC, I transferred to Rutgers Business School in Newark, where I am pursuing a degree in Finance with plans to also double major in Supply Chain Management. My associate degree from HCCC provided me with enough credits to enter Rutgers as a junior, allowing me to advance more quickly toward my academic and career goals.

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Major at HCCC:
Accounting

Year of Graduation:
May 2025

Why did you choose your program?
I chose accounting because I see an ongoing opportunity in business as time goes on, and I view accounting as the language of business. I believe that learning things from the ground up is how successful businesses grow, and accounting provides that foundation.

What possibilities has a degree or certificate from HCCC provided you?
My degree from HCCC gave me the start I needed for my college journey and helped me discover what I truly wanted to major in and pursue as a career. It provided the academic and professional foundations I needed to evolve and continue my path forward.

How has your time at HCCC prepared you for a career in your field?
My time at HCCC gave me the opportunity to build a strong base in accounting concepts while also developing as a professional through leadership, networking, and academic opportunities. This preparation has helped me feel confident as I continue to pursue my career goals.

What have you gone on to do in your career or education after HCCC?
After graduating from HCCC, I transferred to Rutgers Business School – Newark, where I am now completing my Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

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Major at HCCC:
Computer Science

Year of Graduation:
2019

Why did you choose your program?
I chose Computer Science because I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems. At HCCC, I found an environment that nurtured both curiosity and creativity. The program gave me a solid technical foundation while encouraging me to explore how computing can make an impact beyond the classroom.

What possibilities has a degree or certificate from HCCC provided you?
My time at HCCC opened doors I never imagined possible. Being part of Phi Theta Kappa was truly transformative, it helped me build confidence, develop leadership skills, and earn multiple scholarships that placed me on the national stage. I was proud to represent HCCC as one of the All-USA Academic Team members, recognized among the top 20 community college students in the country.

The Writing Center played a huge role in my growth as well. The staff there helped me refine my writing for scholarship and internship applications, which became key stepping stones in my academic journey.

How has your time at HCCC prepared you for a career in your field?
HCCC was more than just academics, it was a community that believed in me. Through the Computer Science Club and the America Needs You mentoring program for first-generation college students, I gained confidence, mentorship, and practical experience that shaped my path. These activities helped me prepare for competitive opportunities like the Goldman Sachs Local College Collaborative, NJC4 Program, and research internships at Columbia University, Princeton University, and NASA.

What have you gone on to do in your career or education after HCCC?
After graduating from HCCC, I transferred to Stevens Institute of Technology, where I continued to grow as both a researcher and innovator. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Computer Scientist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where I work on cutting-edge projects involving artificial intelligence and data science to support national missions.

Looking back, HCCC gave me so much more than an education, it gave me opportunity, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

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