Student Spotlights

Benjamin Eshun arrived in America three years ago from Ghana with his mother and two siblings. He was enrolled at Pittsfield High School, which he describes as a "culture shock" at first. Still looking for his way, he saw an opportunity when BCC representatives visited the school and explained how easy it is to apply.

BCC recently sat down with Jeremiah Reagan, 2026 valedictorian. While discussing the demands of the nursing program, Jeremiah said, "I think part of it was studying something I genuinely cared about... I also felt like I was behind everyone else academically when I started college, so I worked really hard to learn how to study effectively and build good habits."

College-level study can be difficult for anyone, but when English isn't your first language, it can be even tougher. That was initially the case for Clara Guatta-Cescuni, who was born in the Berkshires but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Now poised to graduate with a music degree, Clara has come a long way since first learning to study in English instead of her native Spanish.

The fact that Rezeda Kohlenberger passed her EMT exam a few months ago might sound straightforward, but for Rezeda — who emigrated from Russia — the journey was not easy. When she arrived in America, she went through a lengthy process to get a work permit. By the time the paperwork was complete, the spread of COVID had begun.

"I know what it's like to be without an education and what you have to do to get ahead," says Valedictorian Michael Morse. That real-world experience strengthened his resolve to better his life and set high expectations for himself. In the case of BCC, his goal was to earn a 4.0. Even so, his selection as valedictorian was unexpected.