Tayleese Dias (left), Professor Ferrier, Linda Baclet, and Theresa (right) stand in front of the student-designed gallery installation created in a gallery-making class at the college (Lisa Hill-Sutton).
By Annemarie Conca
Students of all ages are taking advantage of the wide range of courses offered at 4Cs to further their education, develop new skills or explore personal interests through the Free College program. The program is expanding access to higher education for Massachusetts residents who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and who enroll in at least six credits. Theresa, who declined to share her last name, is among those benefiting from the program. After 35 years in nursing and raising five children, she returned to 4Cs to pursue her passion for art.
Theresa said returning to school has been both fulfilling and therapeutic. In addition to her coursework, she emphasized the impact of campus resources.
“I especially want to mention the Wellness Center! They have been a big part of my experience and I am very grateful for their expert level of care. I specialized in homecare, psych and addiction management, so I value and recognize the quality of the care provided,” Theresa said.
The Wellness Center, located in the Fitness Center, offers mental health services to all 4Cs students through Zoom, phone or in-person appointments.
Theresa has taken courses in gallery design, textile arts and horror literature. Textile arts and gallery design have provided a creative outlet and an opportunity to expand her artistic skills. She said Professor Ferrier inspired her creative growth and helped her explore new forms of expression.
Through the gallery design course, students gain experience planning and installing exhibitions at the Higgins Gallery. The class will present its latest exhibition at the Higgins Gallery on April 27 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., where visitors can meet student artists and view their work.
For many adults balancing careers and family responsibilities, college can feel financially or logistically out of reach. The Free College Program helps reduce those barriers, creating opportunities for students at different stages of life. At 4Cs, education continues beyond the traditional college years, offering lifelong learning opportunities for the community.
