Recent MCC Alumna Completes Fellowship with State Senator

After graduating with high honors from Middlesex Community College in May 2026, Monique Chan, of Lowell, started the Massachusetts Senate Summer Fellowship. A paralegal studies student, she serves in Senator Vanna Howard’s office with fellow Middlesex alumna Julianne Floro. Chan credits MCC’s program for teaching her valuable and relevant skills she can apply to her fellowship.

“Working in Senator Howard’s office has been one of the most valuable experiences I have had so far,” Chan said. “The experience has strengthened my interest in law and public service and has given me a much clearer understanding of the kind of work I may want to pursue in the future. What I appreciate most is that I am not only observing the work, I am actually able to contribute and learn directly from the Senator and her staff.”

Throughout her time at Middlesex, Chan participated in internships, academic work, and public service opportunities that she believes prepared her for the fellowship. This includes working at the Lowell Justice Center and a law office. Honing her communication skills, she learned how to work with different communities and be an advocate both at MCC and through these experiences. Chan also moderated a panel called Identity & Representation: The Path to Law School as part of MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program.

In her fellowship, Chan works on research, writing, legislation and policy-related projects; constituent services; and community events. She has had opportunities to research issues affecting Mass. communities and help make legislative information easier for the public to understand. Learning the importance of communication, teamwork and attention to detail, she is gaining a stronger understanding of what it is like working in a government setting.

“Over the summer, Monique and Julianne have both grown into valued members of Team Howard,” Senator Howard said. “Whether it’s attending committee hearings, conducting legislative research, assisting with constituent services, or supporting our office's daily operations, they’ve approached every task with genuine enthusiasm, professionalism, and a real eagerness to learn. Their contributions have been meaningful, and their presence has been a gift to our team. I'm deeply grateful for their dedication, and I have every confidence that bright futures await them both.”

MCC faculty and staff helped Chan grow more confident by allowing her to ask questions, make mistakes, and access important experiences, including assisting classmates as a Student Success Intern. Support from MCC’s TRIO Student Support Services taught her more about building and following a plan for the future.

“I came to MCC at a time when I was still figuring out exactly what I wanted to do and what direction I wanted to take academically and professionally,” Chan said. “I became much more confident in myself and my goals. MCC gave me opportunities that went beyond the classroom and helped prepare me for where I am now.”

With a long-standing interest in law and government, Chan is transferring to Suffolk University to study international relations on the pre-law track. Planning to one day pursue a career in law and public service, she believes MCC’s paralegal studies program helped her build practical legal and academic skills and experience early on in her college journey.

“As a first-generation college student, I was still learning how college worked and how to navigate everything on my own,” she said. “Starting at MCC gave me the opportunity to build a strong foundation without putting too much financial pressure on myself.”