James Hitchings

When BCC Professor of Music Ellen Shanahan asked James Hitchings '24 to sing the National Anthem at commencement exercises, he didn't hesitate.

"I guess I'm kind of humble about those kinds of things, but I wasn't really nervous," James says. "I love to sing."

A recent graduate of BCC's fine arts program with a concentration in music, James and his family reside in Northern Virginia. After what he calls "on and off periods" at a community college in that area, he enrolled at BCC through the College Internship Program (CIP), based in Lee, Massachusetts. CIP is a support program for post-secondary students who are on the autism spectrum and/or have diagnoses of ADHD or other specific learning style differences.

From the start, James says, BCC made him feel welcome. "I felt like the teachers really wanted to get to know me, and the class size at BCC is small," he says. With guidance from faculty and disability services staff, James began to adjust to college life. Eventually, he thrived, successfully completing an associate degree in May.

Judy Gerich, academic coordinator at CIP Berkshire, works at BCC two full days per week. She directly supports students as they learn to navigate the campus, have their accommodation meetings with disability resource center staff, meet with advisors each term to register for courses, and meet as needed with their professors.

Judy, who notes CIP was one of the first person-centered program of its kind since its founding 40 years ago, says her role in these meetings is "to make sure our students understand what is being said, and that they articulate their needs, goals and concerns." Many students, including James, join her for weekly one-on-one sessions focusing on academic executive functioning.

"During his time with us, James grew significantly in terms of his self-awareness, initiative, follow through, time-management, confidence and independence," Judy says. "To watch James accept the Koussevitsky Award in April, and to hear him sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and watch him walk across the stage to accept his diploma at commencement at Tanglewood, was deeply moving."

With characteristic modesty, James downplays winning the award, an honor given to a BCC student pursuing a four-year music degree. "I don't like to talk too much about myself," he says. But the Koussevitzky Award is a significant accomplishment requiring academic achievement and outstanding service among students.

James is applying to George Mason University in Virginia and St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia to earn a bachelor of arts degree in music. He credits CIP and BCC with helping him feel confident to pursue a four-year degree.

BCC made me feel ready to go on to a four-year school. I feel more focused now.

James says he has always had an interest in music, particularly jazz and hip-hop.

"I'm pretty much listening to music or practicing music all the time," says James, who dabbles in guitar in addition to singing. As for what the future holds, James says becoming a singer would be his dream. Given his tremendous growth and success at BCC, the door is wide open.

Judy agrees. "We at CIP are deeply proud of and happy for James," she says.