MassBay Graduate Honors Her Family’s Sacrifices by Making Every Achievement Count

MassBay Community College graduate Simran Prajapati poses at the College’s 63rd Commencement ceremony on the Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley Hills, MA, May 2025 (Photo/MassBay Community College).

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

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (July 2, 2025) — After graduating from high school in India, Simran Prajapati decided she wanted to explore the world while earning her college degree. “As I watched all my high school friends leave for adventures in all different countries around the world, I wanted something exciting too. I knew being the first person in my family to leave India to pursue my education was a big deal, but I wanted to do something on my own, something big,” said Simran.

When researching colleges in the United States, Simran had two requirements, there needed to be a great educational opportunity, and it needed to be an area low in crime. “Being a woman, on my own, I needed to feel safe. Massachusetts was an easy choice, as there are so many colleges and universities that provide a solid education. I initially started my studies at UMass Boston, but living in Framingham, I hadn’t anticipated just how difficult the commute would be, which was something I hadn’t expected while making decisions from India. So, I began looking for a closer option and found MassBay. Its convenient location, affordability, and strong transfer pathways to four-year universities made it the perfect fit. Transferring to MassBay turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said.

While studying computer information systems, Simran was a very involved student on campus, becoming president of the Indian Club, secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter, and a member of the International Club. She worked on campus as an orientation leader, peer tutor, and an intern in the Career Services Department. In addition, she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Societies, earning a spot on the Dean’s List and President’s List every semester at MassBay and graduating with a 3.8 GPA. Simran was honored with the MassBay 2024 and 2025 Impact Awards and the 2025 McKenzie Student Leadership Award.

“I honestly didn’t realize how much I had taken on until I was announced as the recipient of the McKenzie Award. I don’t see myself as someone with superpowers. It’s just that I’ve been surrounded by incredible support. Because of the faculty, staff, and friends who believed in me, I’ve been able to do what I love and grow into someone I’m proud of becoming,” Simran added.

“Initially, my family and I were nervous about how I would manage everything on my own. But, from day one, MassBay felt like home. I was welcomed with warmth, supported when I needed it, and always felt like I belonged. My favorite thing about MassBay is the energy on campus. There is always something happening on campus, whether it’s events, professional panels, or just free food for everyone to gather. It’s a place where I could grow, connect, and truly enjoy the college experience beyond the classroom,” said Simran.

During her time at MassBay, Simran changed her program of study and credits the guidance of faculty and staff who helped her find clarity when she felt lost in her career path. She explained that they offered constant encouragement and support that will have a lasting impact on her life. She acknowledges and is thankful for MassBay scholarships that allowed her to not work as many hours and focus on her classes.

“The scholarships at MassBay changed my life. Because I’m an international student, I pay out-of-state tuition, and I am incredibly grateful for the financial support while earning my degree. I couldn’t have completed my degree without the generous donations and scholarships available to MassBay students,” Simran added.

Simran graduated from MassBay with her associate of science degree in computer information systems, and she will transfer to a four-year university to pursue her bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.

“Pursuing my degree in cybersecurity is more than a personal goal, it’s a tribute to my parents’ sacrifices. They worked tirelessly to educate their daughters, and I carry their hopes with me. This American education journey is my way of honoring their hard work, making every sacrifice count, and making them proud. Their strength is my inspiration, and their pride will be my greatest achievement.”

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.