From Math to Mentorship: How Margaret Keeps Moving Forward

Margaret McPartland, math teacher and mentoring program coordinator, has been working with adult students for over 30 years and the past 10 years with the Bridge to College program. Known for her compassionate and holistic approach, Margaret helps her students overcome obstacles, find their strengths, and fall in love with math. Many of her students introduce themselves by saying they don’t like math, but Margaret takes this in stride, saying, “if you don’t like math, you just haven’t had good experiences in it yet.” She’s dedicated to breaking down math anxiety—a common challenge among her students—by offering support, encouragement, and practical advice. 

Margaret’s mentorship program pairs recent graduates with former students to provide guidance and support as they pursue their goals. The mentorship connections often extend beyond the program, and the bonds between mentors and mentees continue to grow. Margaret believes that these relationships help students through major life transitions and reinforce a sense of community. Many of her mentees are pursuing nursing degrees, and she makes an effort to connect those on similar career paths, even helping former mentees become mentors themselves. The CLC Bridge team is proud to share that  two of this year’s mentors are former mentees who will earn their registered nursing degrees this year.

Her commitment goes beyond academics; Margaret actively helps mentees navigate personal challenges and access resources, understanding that obstacles can be as varied as health issues, financial struggles, or self-doubt. Her approach emphasizes that, with the right support, students can overcome barriers and change the trajectory of their lives—an idea she learned from watching her father persevere through a nine-year college journey.

Margaret’s success is seen in the strong track record of her students finishing college and becoming role models for others. She practices what she preaches, challenging herself with difficult courses and skills to stay connected to the student experience. Her advice is simple: “Don’t be your own barrier.” Her motto is enduring: “Keep moving forward.”