Nicole Darden

Nicole Darden '08 joined the Army in 1997 to give her life the direction that she believed it was lacking. The Gulf War-era veteran describes the four years that she served as profoundly life changing. “I met people from around the world and became more aware of different beliefs, customs, and cultures. The military also gave me structure, taught me how to finish tasks, and solve problems.”

While stationed in Germany, Darden and her husband started a family. After her discharge, Darden enrolled at Holyoke Community College (HCC) in Holyoke, Massachusetts, with the goal of becoming an administrative assistant. What happened instead was a journey of self-discovery that led her to Mount Holyoke. “As I took classes in African American literature and history and women's studies, I realized that I had a lot to contribute in the classroom and on the campus.” Along with excelling academically, she became active with the student senate, the African American Club, and HCC's fundraising campaign. Her contributions were recognized when she was selected to speak at commencement as class orator.

Darden says that as her confidence grew, so did her ambitions. “I knew I wanted to transfer to an institution that would take me seriously. The more I learned about the Frances Perkins Program, the more convinced I became that Mount Holyoke was the place for me,” she says.

A large part of the appeal was the sense of community offered by the Frances Perkins Program. Having found her voice at HCC, Darden wanted an environment where it would be nurtured. “I also wanted to be challenged and encouraged. Sharing that with other women is special. Mount Holyoke is an empowering experience,” she says.

Darden is majoring in psychology with a minor in educational studies; her focus is inequality in public education. “The classes at Mount Holyoke have challenged me to be a more responsible citizen of the world,” she notes. “I have learned that it is not enough to speak about the world's problems. Rather, we all have a responsibility to actively strive for positive change.”

Her long-term goal now is to earn a doctorate and become a college professor of social psychology or educational psychology. Meanwhile, she is back at Holyoke Community College counseling other veterans who are students. As Veterans Assistant, Darden helps them complete the paperwork needed to receive their educational benefits and identify other resources available to them. The opportunity to help others realize their potential is deeply gratifying, she says.

Like her time in the military, Darden's years at Mount Holyoke have been life changing. She credits her husband, two children, and her parents with supporting her throughout her journey, and Mount Holyoke with inspiring her to reach ever higher. “Nothing seems impossible anymore,” she says.