Iraq native immerses herself in college life at Middlesex Community College

Fatima Al-Muntafik grew up in Iraq, a nation divided and scarred by war. But she changed her life and got off to a fresh start in her new home with support from Middlesex Community College. 

On April 6, 2003, when she was a senior in high school, Al-Muntafik's family home was destroyed by cluster bombs, killing her brother-in-law. Living in Iraq, she said, was "a struggle for survival and success." 

But she survived and succeeded. As friends and family members were killed or fled to other countries, Al-Muntafik stayed in Iraq and completed her studies, earning two Bachelor degrees from the University of Baghdad. 

One degree is in Arabic Language from the College of Education, and the other is in Musical Arts from the College of Fine Arts. But she eventually became the victim of threats and harassment from both sides in the ongoing conflict -- details of which she declined to share "because it caused pain I cannot describe." 

She was targeted because she worked in the fields of arts and culture, and as a musician playing violin in the Baghdad Symphony Youth Orchestra. Al-Muntafik fled to the United States with her mother, settling in Lowell in July 2015. 

As a refugee, she was referred to Middlesex by a teacher at the International Institute -- a referral that changed her life. She enrolled in MCC's free Prepare to Attend College program to improve her English skills, then began studying in the Performing Arts-Music Option degree program. 

A new home and a new language caused Al-Muntafik to struggle at first, but she soon found her footing. The best thing about Middlesex is its diversity, she said, and the way everyone is so helpful and supportive. 

As she steadily gained confidence, Al-Muntafik became a strong voice and leader in the college community. She served as an officer in the Middle Eastern Cultural Club, Spectrum and the Social Justice Club. 

She was also a member of the Student Union Government Association, attended social-justice and leadership conferences, and continued her love of music by participating in the Boston Guitar Festival. 

Having completed five semesters at MCC, Al-Muntafik decided last spring it was time to move on. She's planning to earn a Master's degree in Religion Studies, with a goal of becoming a religion and gender-studies professor. 

She is looking into Master's degree programs but has not decided on a school. "It was so hard to make that decision to leave, but I have to do it," she said. "MCC taught me a lot, and now I can choose my way. 

Everyone at Middlesex helped me to find my way with support, love and respect, and gave me the belief I can do it. 

"MCC is my home," she added. "It is the best place to be, not only to study, but for everything. My culture, my social life and my best friends are all from Middlesex. I'm really lucky to have studied there."

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