Mary Dillon will be graduating this spring from U-Mass Dartmouth with honors and a Bachelor of Science in accounting. But for this first-generation college student and daughter of Irish immigrants, it was far from certain she would be the success she is today. According to Mary, what made the difference? Mentoring. This is the hallmark of a scholarship from Advocates for a Community College Education (ACCE).
Mary gave a speech at ACCE’s wine tasting and auction fundraiser on September 9. She had this to say about her ACCE mentor, Laraine Jones. “Through the help of my support system – my friends, family, advisor, and mentor, Laraine – I was able to feel confident to start fresh that spring. Laraine helped me discover the necessary steps I needed to be a successful student. I became more involved in the college, I went to tutoring, and would study with friends. I began to enjoy learning again and challenging myself with my classes.
“Laraine has done so much for me over the last four years; she has been a constant source of support for me, she has always been so willing to offer me her wisdom, and introduce me to resources invaluable to my success. ACCE has been a vital factor in my accomplishments as a student and a young adult, and I owe the success I have achieved to this incredible organization. Thank you.”
The wine tasting and auction raised nearly $60,000 to help Cape Cod high school students succeed at Cape Cod Community College. ACCE would like to thank everyone who participated and donated.