Nate Hutchings, a business transfer student, is the latest Northern Essex student to be awarded the prestigious Foster Furcolo Scholarship, a full-tuition transfer award to UMass Boston. This scholarship is granted annually to one graduating student from each of Massachusetts’ public community colleges, recognizing academic excellence and the embodiment of the community college system’s mission.

This scholarship, as well as his time as a student at Northern Essex and through the encouragement of his professors here, reignited Hutchings’ passion for learning after some bumps along his path toward higher education.

Initially, Hutchings enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with aspirations to pursue marine biology. However, he soon realized that a traditional four-year program was not conducive to his well-being and mental health. “I thought I knew what I wanted” Hutchings said, “but I realized I wasn’t making my own path and was still basing it off of my parents.”

This led him to reassess his entire educational path and consider alternative routes that aligned better with his personal and professional goals. Hutchings decided to move home and reconsider his path.

Growing up in Amesbury, Hutchings developed a lifelong passion for reading. “It was my favorite escape and only hobby” Hutchings remarked. This love for literature inspired him to dream of opening a small bookstore. Encouraged by his parents, he decided to pursue a degree in business at Northern Essex to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to manage his own business effectively.

At Northern Essex, Hutchings thrived by progressing at his own pace, a flexible approach that has significantly benefited his learning experience. His dedication and hard work are evident. He became an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Beta Gamma chapter, the international business honor society. Professor Pam Donahue, educator and the faculty member who established Northern Essex’s chapter of this honor society, encouraged Hutchings to join, recognizing his potential and commitment to his studies.

In discussions with his business professors, Hutchings was advised to focus on improving his GPA to qualify for the Foster Furcolo Scholarship. Taking this advice to heart, he dedicated himself to his academics, resulting in a GPA that met the scholarship’s rigorous requirements. “I knew I could get my GPA to where it needed to be, especially with this support” Hutchings said.

The financial aspect of higher education has been a significant consideration for Hutchings. “There was no way I would get my bachelor’s degree if it meant being in debt,” he said. “That’s just not something I was okay with.”

The prospect of graduating from UMass Boston without the burden of substantial debt was a motivating factor in his decision to apply for the scholarship. This opportunity will allow him to continue his education without the financial strain that often deters students from pursuing further studies.

Looking ahead, Hutchings plans to transfer to UMass Boston this fall, where he will continue his business education and work toward his lifelong goal of becoming a bookstore owner. “I know it won’t happen right away” Hutchings explains. “I just feel lucky to be able to pursue a degree in a subject that I know I am good at and can help me achieve that goal one day.”