Tammy Huisingh will launch her career in graphic design after graduating from SMCC next month. She’d like to work for either a magazine or newspaper at first and eventually open a design business of her own.

Commencement season is upon us, and on May 17 we’ll be donning caps and gowns, handing out diplomas, and hearing speeches. Behind the pageantry lie personal stories of achievement, ambition and success. For Tammy, graduation marks the start of a new life chapter when she will begin fulfilling her dreams.

Tammy, who lives in Damariscotta, worked in office administration and food service jobs for a number of years before coming to SMCC in 2012. She was ready to do something more creative, so she enrolled in our Communications & New Media program, specializing in digital design and digital imaging.

Even before graduation, she’s off to a good start — she’s opened a small home- based business doing small jobs for things like invitations, newspaper ads and business cards. Her business card reads: “Tammy H. Graphic Design.”

“It’s exciting to be at a point in my life,” she said, “where I know what I want to be doing. And I have unlimited options on where to go with that.”

Student success is what SMCC is all about. There’s no better time to celebrate that success than commencement.

The value of a college education is undeniable. At SMCC, more than 90 percent of our students enter the workforce or transfer to another school within nine months of graduation. On average, graduates see a 73-percent increase in pay in their first year after college.

Jason Glynn is among those who will continue their education. With a liberal arts degree in political science under his belt, he now plans to earn a baccalaureate degree in political science. He hasn’t heard back from all the schools he’s applied to, but the list includes Harvard, Georgetown, Brown and American University. In time, he hopes to earn his master’s degree and work in international relations.

A one- time high school dropout, Jason immersed himself in college life at SMCC. He’s president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, has served on the Student Senate and helped start the Captain’s Cupboard food pantry. He’s on the student business club and did an internship with U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree’s office. He wrote for the student newspaper and has been active on several college committees.

Before college, Jason thought he was stuck in a job going nowhere. Coming to SMCC, he said, changed his life “ in so many ways.” Now, the sky’s the limit.

There are many keys to student success, Jason said.

“ Perseverance. Be sure of yourself. Don’t give up. Reach for the stars. Aim high. I like that quote, ‘Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars,’” he said. “And get involved. Getting involved opens doors. You can make a difference on your campus and change your life.”

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Ronald Cantor is president of Southern Maine Community College.

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