Student Profile
Gabe Palizay, family of teachers
Gabe Palizay grew up in a family of teachers. His mother, two aunts and an uncle all teach, and he came to SMCC to earn an Education degree so he can do the same.
Gabe took a year off after high school and then came to SMCC because he had heard good things about the Education program. He also liked the affordable cost and knows that credits he earns at SMCC will easily transfer to other schools.
After he graduates from SMCC in 2020, Gabe plans to continue his education and earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His ultimate goal is to be a special education teacher at the middle or elementary school level.
“I’ve always felt comfortable around the idea of teaching, and I like working with kids. Teachers have the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. I think having that impact is very important. Being a teacher is an important job.
Student Profile
Dorcas Ngaliema, finding her passion
Dorcas Ngaliema planned to study electrical engineering when she first came to SMCC. But the wide variety of academic programs here allowed her to explore her interests and discover her passion for political science.
Dorcas was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to South Africa when she was nine months old. Her family moved from South Africa to Maine when she was 17 for the opportunity to build a bright future in America.
After graduating from Portland High School, she came to SMCC because of its affordability. She likes political science to better understand why political systems work the way they do, both here in the U.S. and internationally.
Dorcas started the Southern Poverty Law Center student organization on campus, and she organizes open forums where students can respectfully share their opinions on sensitive political issues.
When she graduates, she hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree and go to law school. Her ultimate goal is to become an immigration lawyer.
“SMCC is about more than affordability; it has really good academic programs and the professors have our backs. I like that the school encourages students to continue their education after they graduate, and that it teaches students to develop leadership skills. And I like the diversity of the students.”