My grandfather, a first generation American and U.S. military veteran, attended community college, care of the GI Bill. While six children and three jobs meant he was not able to complete his education, he believed ardently in public education and what it meant. He was immensely proud when his children pursued community college in adulthood. The community college system is the lifeblood of Massachusetts. You find here students like my grandfather — veterans, student parents, new Americans — full of promise, brilliance, and hope. You will also find my colleagues, people who work tirelessly to educate the next generation of nurses and teachers, paralegals and business owners, interpreters and artists. People who left the private sector because they believe fundamentally, like Alfredo Giannelli did, and like I do, in the power of public education and its transformative potential.

No one enters this profession for the money. But community college employees deserve a living wage. I know one system professor teaching nine courses to pay medical bills. I know others working second and third jobs to get by. No public educator should have to choose between running themselves into the ground working multiple jobs or going into hock. My grandfather would have been disgusted that already undercompensated community college staff and faculty have gone three years without a cost of living raise. He would have been infuriated at the failure of the Massachusetts Legislature to fund the Massachusetts Community College Council contract, months after its authorization, when plainly and at minimum, it is the right thing to do.

Our alumni run local businesses. They are first responders. They serve in uniform, and teach our children, and form the frontline of public health. They are educators and artists, social workers and accountants, entrepreneurs and veterinary technicians. They care for our animals and our elders; they staff our medical centers and bring art to our communities; they fuel our economy and keep us safe. We are their educators, and we are three years without a raise. My grandfather would have been mad as hell about that. If you are a person of conscience, I trust you are, too.

Adina Gianneli

Conway