Aiya Thompson 25 Social Science, Liberal Arts

What I've learned from GCC is this: In addition to intellect, academic success is an amalgamation of skills.

Student Senator, Peer Mentor, Peer Tutor, and President of the Tabletop Games club Aiya Thomson recently shared her journey of personal and academic growth at GCC.

Thomson, now in her fifth and final semester, described her initial apprehension when starting at the college in spring 2023. Having previously dropped out of college due to attendance issues, low motivation, and feeling unsupported, she began her GCC journey cautiously with just two classes.

"To my surprise, my first semester was a resounding success," she says. She credits her achievement to utilizing available resources, including peer tutoring, communicating with professors, and relying on family and friends for support.

Thompson highlighted how staff members, including her advisor Kate Walker and supervisor Holly Kosisky, recognized her potential and provided opportunities for growth. These experiences led to her current roles as a Peer Mentor and Peer Tutor.

"That's the kind of people who work here at GCC," she says. "They go above and beyond for students."

The aspiring psychology major described how, as a writing tutor, she now encounters students facing similar challenges to those she once faced. She stressed the importance of believing in oneself and reaching out for help, noting that academic success is a combination of skills including executive functioning, time management, and confidence.

As she prepares to graduate this spring, Thomson is setting her sights on prestigious four-year institutions, including Mount Holyoke, Smith, Amherst College, and Williams College. She attributes her newfound confidence and ambition to the support and belief she received at GCC.

"What I've learned from GCC is this: In addition to intellect, academic success is an amalgamation of skills," Thomson said. "Like the staff and faculty have done for me here, I hope to foster potential in others. I want to be the person people reach out to for help."