New Eagles take first steps at MCC orientation
Alex Robbins is not trying to figure out the rest of his life all at once.
For now, the 18-year-old Meridian student is taking it one step at a time. That next step brought him and his father, Mike Robbins, to Meridian Community College for the first of four new student orientation sessions.
Robbins, a recent Northeast Lauderdale High School graduate, said MCC already feels like the right place for him.
“It’s a great environment,” he said.
Robbins has taken dual enrollment classes and completed two years in software coding at Ross Collins Career and Technical Center. This fall, he plans to enroll in MCC’s Network and Cyber Security Technology program.
The program trains students in cyber security, network administration and client/server systems while introducing them to core information security principles, including confidentiality, integrity and availability. Students also gain experience installing, designing, managing and troubleshooting hardware within secure information technology systems.
Robbins said he is looking forward to something new, even if he is still deciding where the path will lead.
“I haven’t really thought about that right now,” he said. “Just one step at a time.”
His father knows what a community college can do.
Mike Robbins, originally from Picayune, served in the military during Desert Storm. After leaving the military, he used the GI Bill to attend Pearl River Community College.
He earned a two-year degree and now works as a technical writer for Microsoft.
“Now I’m a published author and a technical writer for a Fortune 500 company,” Mike Robbins said.
His advice to others is simple: “Go to a community college and apply yourself.”
The Robbins family already has strong ties to MCC. Mike’s daughter, Hanna Robbins, earned degrees in Graphic Design, 3D CAD Technologies and Network and Cyber Security. Another daughter, Elizabeth Robbins, attended MCC in the University Transfer Program and is currently working while taking a break from her studies.
For Patrick McLaurin, 40, of Collins, orientation marked a return to a place where he had already reached one major goal.
McLaurin earned his GED at MCC several years ago. He said he returned to the College with a purpose.
“I just wanted to come back because I worked hard to get my GED, and I didn’t want to see it go to waste,” he said. “I worked that hard for it.”
McLaurin said he is interested in MCC programs, including Welding and Commercial Truck Driving. But he is not limiting himself to career training.
“I’m looking forward to doing a whole lot of successful things here,” he said. “Hopefully, a lot of positive things.”
For McLaurin, coming back to MCC is about more than enrolling in classes.
“I’m proud I’m here and getting my second chance,” he said.
MCC welcomed about 115 new students at the first orientation session, helping them prepare for the Fall Semester 2026.
Additional orientation sessions are scheduled for July 16, Aug. 5 and Aug. 14 in McCain Theater.
“Orientation is open to all new students who have been admitted to MCC. There is no limit on the number of guests students may bring, and a special break-out session will be available for parents and guardians,” said Mandy Hurtt, executive director of recruiting and admissions.
During orientation, students meet with advisors, tour learning spaces, learn about campus services and complete key enrollment steps before classes begin.
Students and their guests also take part in a Campus Life Fair, where they can visit with representatives from the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore, cafeteria, Student Support Services, Student Success Center and other campus areas.
The fair gives new students a chance to learn more about the support available to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/orientation.