When Juliet Gallant enrolled in Greenfield Community College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program, she felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. As an adult learner and a foreign student, she wondered whether she would succeed and whether she had what it would take to thrive in a challenging program.

Very quickly, Juliet discovered that GCC was exactly the place she needed to be.

“I came to GCC and didn’t think I would do well, but I do,” she says. “Thanks to all the support from students and faculty.” She credits the Student Success Program for helping her feel confident and supported throughout her journey.

Juliet points to several faculty and staff members as having made an especially meaningful impact on her education, including Susan Markush, Josh Becker, Charlotte Gifford, and her advisor Lane Gibson. She says their encouragement and guidance helped her navigate both the academic rigor of nursing and the personal challenges that come with starting over in a new environment.

Juliet’s involvement on campus runs deep. She currently serves as a peer mentor, an officer of Phi Theta Kappa (GCC Chapter), and one of the class representatives in the PN program. These roles allow her not only to give back to her community but also to lead and inspire others who are walking a similar path.

What Juliet loves most about GCC is simple, yet profound: the atmosphere and the feeling of belonging.

“GCC is a home for me,” she says.

Looking forward, Juliet is already planning her next steps. After completing the PN program, she intends to remain at GCC and enroll in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to continue advancing her skills and career.

For students considering GCC, Juliet offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t wait for motivation—it’s a temporary boost. Stay consistent. Keep up the pace. Every little step you take now will become a great accomplishment later. Always remember why you started this journey.”