Senior Corrine Wilson has many fond memories of time spent with her grandmother doing things for others.

“When I was younger, I remember watching my grandmother make a wedding cake in her kitchen and helping her with cooking. She also took my sister and me to work with her in a nursing home. All of the residents were so happy to see us, and we had so much fun together. That feeling made me fall in love with helping people and seeing them smile.”

Corrine continues to work in a nursing home today, creating and hosting events for residents, serving meals and snacks, and building friendships with each resident.

She draws on these experiences as she looks to the future and dreams of being an event planner.

“I have always had a creative mind and want to design weddings and parties.”

Corrine chose to come to Mitchell College because of its small size and its hospitality and tourism management program. She studied hospitality at a technical high school and knew she wanted to continue learning about it in college.

Reflecting on what is special about the school, she said, “At Mitchell, you can be you. You aren’t seen as a number but as a person.”

That familiar sense of connection is something that Corrine carries into her internship with A Thyme to Cook, a caterer and event planner in North Stonington, where she is helping with event coordinating.

“During the week, I sit in on a meeting with owner Linda Sample and all of the event coordinators to discuss the weekend weddings. I also help create event binders, organize uniforms and stock, and count alcohol. On the weekends, when working events, I help unload and load trucks and am a food and water runner and a busser.”

Her favorite part of her internship is no surprise.

“Being able to be a part of a special moment of two families becoming one and helping everyone have a special time not worrying about anything is the best part of what I get to do. My internship has made it clear that I am excited about my future in event planning!”