Seen, Heard, Understood
"HCC has given me so many opportunities to explore my interests and develop my passions. It has empowered me to envision and take control of my future and believe in my skills and abilities." – Hilario "Juji" Peralta
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Visual Art major Hilario "Juji" Peralta of Holyoke was one of two fall graduates selected to speak at HCC's Fall Graduate Reception on Monday, Dec. 2. Below is the full text of his remarks.
'My name is Hilario Peralta, also known as Juji, and I am so happy to be here tonight and on this stage. I first want to acknowledge and thank my family here tonight – my mom and my sister. I couldn’t have made it to this point here today if it wasn’t for you, and I appreciate all that you have done for me.
My journey at HCC has been quite the rollercoaster. I started here back in Fall 2019, freshly out of high school, and had a bit of difficulty adjusting and transitioning into college. Being so young and having so much time on my own hands, it got a little overwhelming. So during my first semester I struggled academically and really wasn’t sure of where I wanted to go or what I wanted to be.
After giving it some thought, I took a year off, which turned into two years due to the pandemic. Back then, I didn’t have the same mindset as I do now. During this time off, I was trying to balance myself between jobs. I was really just trying to get by while also not trying to let the people around me down.
In Spring 2022, I decided I wanted to give college another try. Something about HCC felt secure, and I knew that since I started here, I had to finish here. Thanks to the connections that I was able to start making my first semester back, I felt more confident and hopeful.
It all started with getting my ID from Student Engagement and interacting with Lindsey Pare, who gave me such radiant and positive energy to start school again. Throughout the semester, she continued to be such a helping hand for me. I was able to meet so many great people in classes, events, and even in the halls of the Campus Center. Although my grades were above average and better than my previous semester, I knew there was more I could do for myself.
In my second academic year, things really started to change for the better. It was with the help and energy of the support programs here at HCC like ALANA and El Centro (shout out to my people there), I was able to really build my support system here at HCC.
Meeting with the advisors at El Centro and my ALANA mentor, I was able to get a handle on my academics and really hold myself accountable. With El Centro, I was provided an open space to get work done along with connecting with people with backgrounds similar to mine. With the ALANA program, I had my mentor, Freddie, and my tutor, Morgan, in my corner every step of the way. It was being in constant communication with my advisors, whether I was struggling, having a hard time with homework, or even getting a good grade, I was there in their offices or they were just an email away (we know Sintique doesn’t play).
Along with these programs, I really found my true few. People that were heading toward the same goals but on different paths. But, somehow, we still managed to all do it together. My experience here at HCC has been nothing but good memories and connections. If there’s anything I would say about HCC and the people here, it is that it always gave me a sense of familiarity. I felt seen, heard, and understood. HCC has given me so many opportunities to explore my interests and develop my passions. It has empowered me to envision and take control of my future and believe in my skills and abilities. For that I am very grateful and hopeful for my educational journey.
So thank you, HCC; it has been a great ride!"
PHOTO: Student speaker Hilario "Juji" Peralta
