The Gateway to College program is an alternative high school program for students who

struggle in a traditional high school setting that would flourish in a different more mature setting,
such as a college campus. Through participating in the Gateway program, students are able to
work on their high school diploma while earning transferable college credits towards a liberal
arts associates degree. My name is Lydia LeMar and I have been a participant in GtC since the
spring semester of 2012. The transformation Ive gone through in those two short years has been
an incredible experience that I will take with me after graduation. My transformation occurred
over three stages: how I endured my life before Gateway, learning about the program and
becoming an active member, and lastly realizing my full potential and preparing to use it
throughout my life.
Before applying to the Gateway to College program, I was enrolled at Brockton High
School; to say that I attended BHS would be an exaggeration to any extent of the word. I was
enrolled in Brockton High School from 2009-2011; 2011 being the year that I applied and was
accepted into GtC. Due to my depression and social anxiety, I was unable to attend school more
than once a week, if even that. The stress of being around at least 1000 people in tight crowded
hallways proved to be an overwhelming feat. BHS has a strict attendance policy where if you
miss more than four days you automatically fail the term. As a result, I was held back two years
in a row. My mentoring program manager, Kenny Monteiro, encouraged me to apply to Gateway
because he saw my potential and believed GtC was the proper environment to allow me to
flourish. As well as my guidance counselor Ms. Mascarenhas, to whom I owe my sanity to for
always keeping her door open for me and not dismissing me as another delinquent. With the
encouragement of Kenny and Ms. Mascarenhas I left BHS for Gateway because of the flexible
hours and atmospheric difference at Massasoit. The environment is so different from BHSs
restricting rules and regulations mainly because its college and youre responsible for yourself.
When I applied to Gateway and got accepted, I wasnt entirely sure what I was to expect
from the program, students, and staff. The transition from a high school setting into a college
one, was a bit of a shocker but a happy one. Personally speaking, Ive always been mature for
my age, having the freedom to make my own class schedule, manage my time efficiently, and
having breaks in between classes was empowering and freeing. The professors are amazing and
helpful. They aided me through my stress-filled times and worked with me when assignments
were late or missing. They encouraged me to keep pushing forward when it seemed impossible
and spent extra time going over assignments that proved to be more worrisome. In general, Im
not much of a people person, however, I was able to connect with a variety of students in
different ways. I actually met my best friend through GtC, weve only known each other for a
little over a year but were closer than ever and people assume weve known each other our
entire lives. A lot of the professors are very personable and Ive bonded with many of them. Its
been months, for some even years, since Ive attended their classes and they still stop me when
they see me on campus to get an update on how my life has been going and offer guidance if
applicable.
As one of the phases in my life comes to a close, I welcome the next hurdle in my life:
college and my career. So far I have applied and been accepted to both Bridgewater State
University and Massasoit Community College. MCC will always hold a place in my heart, as
Ive become accustomed to thinking of it as another home. Why wouldnt I? When you consider
the countless hours spent there, the bonds Ive forged with its occupants, the connections made
with GtCs staff as well as the professors, and being familiar with the campus layout where I

could map the campus out in my head and walk through it blind-folded. Alas, I plan to go to
BSU and obtain a bachelors degree in General Management. After all, how is one expected to
grow and evolve if they choose to stay in one place? Ive always planned on running an animal
shelter; a business degree would be of great use here, dont you think? I like the idea of a hands
on approach when it comes to rehabilitating adoptable animals so I plan on becoming an animal
behaviorist. As of right now, I work as a dog groomer in Sharon, MA. With the techniques Ive
learned and the skills Im obtaining, I feel confident that Ill be able to rehabilitate the animals at
my shelter and then groom them so they look presentable and appealing to potential adopters.
Through determination, perseverance, and an open line of communication with the lovely
ladies of Gateway (as well as my professors) I was able to succeed and obtain my high school
diploma as well as 34 transferable college credits that allow me to start college as a sophomore.
Ive overcome a lot of hurdles and road blocks in my life and after six years of struggling with
high school, Im realizing that there is a life after high school. Its hopeful and promising. If you
can just wade through the consistent onslaught of obstacles, you will succeed and you will be
victorious.