Join us today in congratulating Mary Piccirillo – a recipient of the 2024-2025 Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship Award! ⁠

Sharing a behind the scenes looks at her journey towards a degree, Mary explains in her own words:

“Thirty years ago, I left community college to deal with the challenges of life. The darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a large barrier for my career opportunities, which was the lack of a college degree. Spiraling into a deep depression, I quickly turned that around to put myself first for the first time in my life and reached out to my community college and re-enrolled. That was the Spring of 2022 and by Summer of 2022 I had completed my remaining fourteen credits and received my associate’s degree.

With much determination and enthusiasm, I applied and was accepted to Simmons University to begin classes in the Fall of 2022. I am scheduled to complete my B.S. in Human Services, with a minor in psychology, in December 2024. I proudly hold a 3.909 cumulative average. Along the way, I was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. Not only do I work hard to excel in my classes, but I also help my peers who are struggling managing their work/life balance to help them succeed in completing their classes.

The shining light through it all is that I have been able to rely on my natural leadership and coaching abilities and forge a path forward. I am a quiet leader that leads with compassion and empathy. My peers respect and trust me and know that I am always available to listen and help them succeed.”

Such an inspiring journey, Mary, and we wish you the best of luck in the future. Congratulations on all you have achieved!

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