MassBay Graduate, Danna Garcia of Ashland, MA, to Deliver Student Commencement Address

Danna Garcia of Ashland, MA, has been selected to deliver the Student Commencement Address at MassBay Community College’s 63^rd Commencement exercises on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Danna will be graduating with an Associate of Science Degree in General Studies, Science.

“I am proud and honored to be delivering the Student Commencement Address this year,” said Danna. “I wanted to share my experience and my journey at MassBay, because although it was extremely hard at times, what my classmates and I have accomplished can be done. They say it ‘takes a village’, and I wanted to express not only my gratitude, but to celebrate mine and my fellow graduates’ villages, because we didn’t get here alone.”

Danna grew up in Colombia and moved to Boston when she was 15 years old. After graduating from Newton North High School, she enrolled at MassBay while juggling the responsibilities of being a single mother and a full-time teacher at a local child care center.

“MassBay was the closest college for me, and it was affordable,” she said. “At first, I thought maybe I shouldn’t go to college. But then I realized I really wanted a degree. I knew it was going to be hard, but when you have a dream, you go after it. I’m proof that you can do it.”

While at MassBay, Danna excelled academically, earning spots on both the Dean’s List and the President’s List, as well as being inducted as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society for two-year colleges. She credits the support of her professors and the college community for helping her persist.

“My Anatomy and Physiology Professor Tina Ramme and my transfer advisor Karen Akukwe helped me navigate so much. I’m so grateful to MassBay, it has helped me with resources, support from the faculty, and classes that fit into my life as a working mom.”

Looking to the future, Danna plans to transfer to Northeastern University or Boston College to complete her bachelor’s degree in biology. She is considering attending medical school or pursuing a career in medical research, with a particular interest in child development. “My dream is to work with children and help better understand how they grow and learn,” she said.

“No matter what your circumstances, if you have a dream, you can make it happen,” said Danna. “I hope my speech will remind everyone to be thankful for the people who helped them reach this milestone.”