MassBay’s Jarvis James Builds a Future in Service to Others

MassBay Community College student Jarvis James poses on the Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley Hills, MA, June 2025 (Photo/MassBay Community College).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
ecooper@massbay.edu

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (June 30, 2025) — Inspired by his wife’s journey to return to school and his desire to help others, Jarvis James came to MassBay to pursue his degree. “I thought I was too old for school. But I saw my wife, Joanne, return to college and earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She encouraged me to come back, and it was perfect timing with the MassReconnect program making college free,” said Jarvis.

Living in Florida for more than 20 years, Jarvis worked in public works as an irrigation technician before relocating to Massachusetts. Adjusting to Boston winters meant a career change, and he saw an opportunity to pursue his passion for mental health and substance use disorder counseling. Having experienced long-term recovery himself, he was drawn to helping others navigate similar struggles.

“I like working with the younger generation. I had a lot of issues in my life that I have overcome with therapy and support. I want to give back to the young people. There is a need for people like me to help people like me, and there are a lot of people hurting that need to see the way out. I have changed my life and made positive changes. I want to do the same for others.”

At MassBay Jarvis is a dedicated student, and balances two jobs with his coursework, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his education. Despite the demands of his schedule, he has earned a place on the dean’s list each semester, proving that it is never too late to pursue higher education.
Beyond his own aspirations, Jarvis’s return to school has inspired his family. With five children and seven grandchildren, he is setting a powerful example, encouraging the next generation to embrace education. “I want to be the first of my brothers to graduate college, at 61 years old, I’m getting closer every day,” Jarvis added.

Looking ahead, Jarvis plans to continue his education in nursing with the goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse. His journey at MassBay is not just about personal growth but about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. His story is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and the transformative power of education. Jarvis is scheduled to graduate from MassBay in 2026.

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.