Fittingly enough for a 40th birthday, MHCC seems to be going through a mid-life crisis.

With the effects of state budget cuts and lower enrollment, we have been forced to reconsider the way the world views us. We are trying to look friendlier, more affordable and fuller in programs. We have even had a makeover by remodeling the new student services center.

Good thing we haven’t gone out and bought the proverbial red convertible because we can’t afford to.

But as in a real mid-life crisis, these things will do little to change who we really are. The change we are looking for must come from within the school, from students and staff. We need to let students be more involved in making the decisions that affect them. Would it be too difficult for the administration at MHCC to host focus groups every term? By doing this, the college would solidify some level of student connection.

We should do more to encourage our hardworking staff of instructors, administrators, custodians and maintenance workers and let them know how appreciated they are. We can’t just tell the world who we are – we need to show them.

We can put up the biggest billboard in the busiest part of town and it won’t make any difference if we haven’t changed as a school. Eventually we will get used to the fact that we aren’t as young as we used to be and that times have changed. But we will learn how to play by the new rules and maybe we’ll as prosperous and vibrant as we once were. .