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Kerri Foley
College Access and Success Coordinator, Center for Community and Learning Partnerships
Wentworth Institute of Technology

Education: BA in History and Education, Bowdoin College, 2008

Why did you join MACC VISTA: Growing up in inner city Boston, and raised by a single mother I not only had a lot of obstacles in my way but statistically was not expected to be very successful. Thanks to the generosity of many people and organizations I was given a lot of tools and opportunities which helped me realize and achieve my goals. As I was considering my post graduate plans I knew that I wanted to continue the efforts of those before me who allowed me the chance to improve my situation. I wanted to come back to Boston and help open the door for other students who faced challenging odds. MACC VISTA was the perfect opportunity for that, given my background and what their program offered. It also helped that MACC was well respected both state and nationally, so it made my decision that much easier.

What is the role of higher education institutes in their community? "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." - Lilla Watson

I think the above quote sums up what the role of higher education institutions should be in their communities. Higher education institutions should have a commitment to their neighborhoods in order to leverage the tremendous resources they possess.