Heather O’Brien, a Higganum native, attended Middlesex with a major in Broadcast-Cinema. She decided to attend college right out of high school because she wanted to save money but wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to do. Heather began as a general studies major, signing up for whatever classes interested her until she found her passion: Broadcast-Cinema.

She changed her major because of the Introduction to Broadcast class taught by John-Paul Kelly, an adjunct professor who works for ESPN. Once she got more involved with the department, she began working as a work-study student signing out equipment, tutoring, operating the Mac lab, and answering phones. Heather worked closely with Peter Galgano, former media associate, who she says would bend over backwards to help Middlesex students.

Heather was surprised to see the great equipment and studios at the Center for New Media. She believes that Middlesex was definitely a great choice. Between the professors always here to help, the access to equipment and their teaching methods, she loved every minute.

Heather’s other passion is singing. She has taken voice lessons for five years and teaches a youth choir called Shoreline Singers. She performs at weddings, funerals, church, fundraisers, open mic nights, karaoke nights, and many talent shows. She has auditioned for American Idol, Xfactor, and The Voice every year in hopes of one day being discovered.

Heather graduated in 2014. After college, Heather hopes to own her own business in event videography or work for competition shows or talks shows.