When asked to sum up Mitchell College in three words, nursing student Gabriela Aquino ‘26 said this: “A hidden gem.”

Growing up in New London and passing by the college “millions of times,” she said it never occurred to her that one day she would attend Mitchell.

Today, the busy working mother of three young children is a proud Mitchell graduate with an associate degree in early childhood education and continuing toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

“I finally found a place where I can be myself and reach accomplishments that I put off for so long because I didn’t believe in myself,” she said.

Finding the Right Fit

With long-held dreams of working in healthcare, like much of her family does, Gabriela first pursued nursing classes at another institution, with many starts and stops. She said her experience fell short in getting the support she needed to succeed, so she decided to switch career paths and pursue a job in education.

After securing a position as a substitute teacher at The Friendship School, a pre-K/K school, Gabriela connected there with “many wonderful long-standing teachers” who were Mitchell College alumni. Wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree, she enrolled in Mitchell’s early childhood education program.

Midway through her ECE studies, Mitchell introduced its first-ever nursing program.

“It honestly felt like my original dream was knocking on my door. I couldn’t help but take it as a sign,” she said.

Gabriela worked with her academic advisor to set her dream in motion.

“I was so nervous to take my nursing pre-requisites, given the difficulty I had in the past. So, I geared up, packed in the classes to meet the requirements for an associate degree in early childhood education, plus the nursing pre-requisites to transition into the nursing program and did it! It was a tough year, but I aced all my classes!”

“Succeeding in that way helped build my confidence as a returning adult learner, and I was excited that my dream was coming true.”

 Supportive Community

Gabriela credits Mitchell’s faculty and staff with creating a supportive community where “everyone is so invested in the students.”

“As a working mom, I have had times when my children come with me to class because of schedules. It’s been interesting and amazing that the professors have been open to that. Or if my kids are sick, I have been able to take a day to care for them. The faculty are very mindful of the workloads, especially for commuters and students who have other responsibilities outside of school.”

In the beginning, Gabriela felt the challenge of “imposter syndrome,” something she said a lot of students might face, especially moms.

“We put ourselves last and our families first. When I was thinking about returning to school, I was doubtful that I could handle a full courseload and wondered if I had to take a class at a time as I had done in the past. But Mitchell helped me balance it all. I could do full-time classes and still be a good and present mom and work a job at the same time. It feels hard in a good way. My professors helped me hone my time management skills and now I’m just rocking it.”

Leading Others Toward Success

Gabriela is in the first cohort of nursing students at Mitchell and has taken the program by the reins. As president of the Student Nurses Association, she has many ideas for the group including peer mentorship, professional networking, and community engagement.

“Most important,” she said, “is student success. My goal is to be the best resource, cheerleader, advocate, and source of support for my fellow nursing students. I want to make sure each one feels seen, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential as a student.”

She tutors other students, helps run the nursing simulation lab, and started a podcast with Radio Mitchell. “Scrubs & Side Effects” will explore topics in healthcare and the positive and challenging “side effects” of nursing school.

Looking to her future, she hopes to work as a labor and delivery nurse or in a hospital intensive care or critical care unit. She also aspires beyond patient care.

“I have realized that after my BSN, I could pursue a degree to become a clinical instructor or nursing educator, which would be the best of both worlds. It would be neat to come back and teach at Mitchell.”

Community Connections

Gabriela currently works part-time, registering incoming patients at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, one of 13 clinical sites for the Mitchell Nursing Program.

“Many of my coworkers know I am in the nursing program and are rooting for me. I’m excited to work in a clinical there, wearing my Mitchell scrubs on the floor and repping our colors.”

She stresses that Mitchell offers a learning environment where people can “obtain their stored-away dreams” and notes that the college offers a full slate of undergraduate and graduate programs to fulfill the workforce needs of her community.

“In this hidden gem, I’ve found a community, a school setting, that is helpful and supportive of me. I might have taken a long route to get where I needed to be, but I am fully confident, I am ready, and I am thankful that I found this place that allows me to be my full, authentic self.”