Brie Harrison Finds Her Comeback Through MassBay Nursing Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
781-540-1231
ecooper@massbay.edu

MassBay Community College nursing student Brie Harrison poses in the nursing lab at MassBay’s Framingham campus, Framingham, MA, April 2025 (Photo/MassBay Community College).

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (April 17, 2025) — Brienna “Brie” Harrison always wanted to work in healthcare; specifically, she dreamed of becoming a nurse. “I love the fast-paced environment, I thrive in that type of setting,” she explains. “I’ve always done well in science classes, and in high school when my grandfather became sick and needed care, I saw the love and caring that my mom and the nurses gave to him. When people are going through a hard time, that comfort means everything. I always admired that kind of empathy, and I just knew nursing was a path I wanted to pursue.”

After high school, Brie enrolled in a four-year university to study nursing. But her plans were disrupted by a controlling personal relationship that made it impossible to continue her education. “I was heartbroken to leave college. I know I would have graduated and been successful, but I’m not looking back- I’m focused on my future,” she said. “This is my comeback story. I’m proud of how far I have come. I had rough times, but I’m resilient and I’ve pushed through. I know where I’m going.”

She left the university and began working remotely in the pharmaceutical industry. After more than a year and a half, Brie and her entire team were laid off. “It was during my healing process, and after COVID. It was a difficult time,” she added. “While I was job searching, I heard about MassReconnect, where community college is free. I realized it was the perfect time to go back to school. I was able to use some of my previous credits toward my prerequisite classes, and the idea of meeting new people and returning to the classroom was exciting. The timing couldn’t have been better.”

“Everything has been great,” Brie explained. “The people I’ve met at MassBay have been incredible. My classmates, Ini, Lauren, Crystal, and Mariah have become family, and our cohort is super motivated and has become a real team. From carpooling, clinical work, and studying together, we’re supporting one another every step of the way.”

“I love the collaborative atmosphere,” Brie continued. “Our professors — like Professor Sorokina and Professor Lee — make class both challenging and fun. And the Framingham campus is state-of-the-art. I feel so lucky to be training with this kind of equipment at my fingertips.”

“I also wouldn’t have been able to do this journey without the immense support from my family, friends, and my partner. They’ve lifted me up, encouraged me, and reminded me of my strength when I needed it most,” she added.

Brie was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in fall 2024 and currently holds a 3.9 GPA, earning a place on the Dean’s List every semester. She is scheduled to graduate from MassBay in May 2026 with her Associate Degree in Nursing, and she plans to continue her education after graduation.

“Free community college is amazing. For anyone looking to become a nurse, this is the path,” she said. “I would recommend it to high school students or anyone looking to change careers. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.