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Student Puts the ‘Hospitality’ in Homeless Center

Nov 21, 2023 | Stories

For sophomore hospitality management major Nick Anderson, working as a volunteer at the New London Homeless Hospitality Center (HHC) has been an opportunity to practice his professional skills and gain insight into the complex issue of homelessness.

“During my volunteer work, I am constantly reminded why I chose hospitality as my major. I love working with people by helping them with their issues and making everyone feel welcomed and included in my work,” said Nick.

He volunteers weekly at the HHC as a service-learning project for his sociology class on social problems, taught by Professor Nancy Parent, Ph.D.

“I work at the help center, mainly at the mail desk where I sort and hand out our guests’ mail. I have come to admire the mail system and its importance to homeless people for whom getting mail is nearly impossible, and the problems with this are endless. Services like food stamps, Amazon packages, and court documents are sent by mail. If mail is not responded to, services might be rescinded and, in the case of court papers, warrants can be sent for otherwise minimal offenses,” he said.

On further reflection he said, “I find it hard to understand why homeless people are expected to send and receive mail in a timely manner if they do not possess a stable address. System inconsistencies like this are the reason why homelessness is, and will remain, a large problem if reforms are not made to accommodate people in diverse living situations.”

Learning About the Complexities of Homelessness

Through his sociology class, Nick has come to understand the complex issues that go along with homelessness, including mental health, drug addiction, and domestic violence.

“There are always difficulties in people’s lives, and being homeless only compounds those problems. Using something called intersectionality, we have learned about how each issue can affect other issues, making the big-picture understanding of societal issues easier,” he said.

Nick said that he has drawn on a variety of Mitchell Abilities during his work at the help center. He uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills to “tailor my help for each person I work with. There is never a one-size-fits-all answer to any given issue.”

He also recognizes the importance of effective communications and social interaction with guests at the HHC.

“Using thoughtful communication helps me deliver amazing service to everyone, and social interactions are critical for everyone, especially homeless people. Everybody wants to feel accepted and validated, and my work at the shelter allows me to do just that. Social interactions with guests are as important as my office work because both actions help the community improve their lives,” said Nick.

Nick also relies on the practical knowledge he has gained through his hospitality classes, including “management skills to lead others, and knowledge to provide compassionate help and useful guidance” to those he encounters at the shelter.

“I have learned the difference between empathy and sympathy,” he said, “and take ownership of what I do not know or what I have not experienced. I work at the shelter to help others, and people come to shelter to be helped. As long as we have the same goals in mind, we will make the world a better place.”

Growing in Confidence

Another job responsibility is receiving and transferring incoming calls to the shelter, something that was a challenge in the beginning.

“Confidence is my main challenge with everything, in that even though I know what I am doing, I still doubt my ability. When I started volunteering, I was terrified of answering the phone because of my fear that a question would be asked of me that I could not answer. Now I love taking calls because I am confident in my abilities, and I know where to look if I do not immediately have the answer.”

He added, “My service-learning has helped me gain confidence doing something that I love, and my favorite part of this experience is being part of something bigger than myself. I love working alongside other volunteers and employees who help the diverse community of New London.”

In addition to his work for his service-learning project, Nick is president of the Mitchell Hospitality, Event & Travel (MHET) Club, which he restarted after a few years of inactivity. The club coordinates with various groups across campus to host and volunteer at activities.

“I love the community at Mitchell College,” he said. “I am constantly amazed by the variety of people that I interact with every day, and I have found friends who love many of my interests as much as I do. I have also found the professors to be dedicated to their jobs and never hesitate to help me improve myself for my future work. If I am struggling with a topic, they help me understand, and when I want a challenge, I am encouraged to go above and beyond and dive into topics that I find especially interesting.”

Nick has found Mitchell College to be the right mix of support and opportunity, with experiences like his service-learning project with the HHC.

“When I was looking for a college, my main issue was finding a place that could support my needs and adapt to my improvements as I grow. Other schools either had full academic support with no way of shedding it as a student improved, or little to no academic support. Mitchell offered the best of both worlds. As a student in the Thames at Mitchell College program, I learned how to live independently in a college setting, effectively using my time to both study and spend time with friends. Now, as a sophomore, I have been accepted into the Honors Program and take classes to challenge my abilities and have access to support if I should need it.”

Nick Anderson stands in front of the mailboxes at the New London Homeless Hospitality Center.

Alum Offers Insights Into Graduate School

Nov 15, 2023 | News

Mitchell alumna Brittney Marcucci (’20) took time out recently from her busy schedule as a graduate student to talk to a Mitchell class about her experiences in graduate school. She offered insights into finding, applying to, and thriving in graduate school to a Graduate School and Beyond class taught by Nancy Parent, Ph.D.

Marcucci always knew she wanted to go into social work. At Mitchell she got her foundation by earning a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. An internship with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families that was part of her Mitchell degree program “opened my mind and made me realize what I wanted to do.”

Now a student at the Boston University School of Social Work, Marcucci will graduate in May with a master’s degree in social work as a licensed clinical social worker. She plans to work in a therapeutic setting with adult and geriatric clients, a group that she says is underserved. As part of her clinical preparation, she is working at the Waterford Senior Center facilitating groups and doing individual sessions.

A third-generation Mitchell College alum, Marcucci credits Mitchell College with honing her critical thinking skills and teaching her the importance of empathy—both essential abilities for the field of social work.

“Critical thinking was stressed in my classes on human development, and it helped me analyze things from different perspectives. Likewise, through the diversity that is Mitchell, I learned to be understanding, empathetic, and patient. There is such a strong sense of community and acceptance at Mitchell, and that stuck with me.”

Marcucci said that, as with anything, the transition to graduate school can be hard and you have to learn how to adjust. She urged students who are looking at graduate school to pay attention to the values and mission of an institution to make sure they align with themselves.

Similar to an undergraduate program, “finding a community in graduate school that supports you and you want to be part of is crucial to your success,” she said.

Mitchell College Students Join Award-Winning Journalist’s National Podcast

Oct 27, 2023 | Stories

When Julio Ricardo Varela walked onto the Mitchell College campus to record a podcast with students on neuro-inclusivity, belonging, and radical hospitality, he didn’t have to look far for inspiration.

“I was instantly struck by how strong and welcoming the community was. There was a sense of belonging and home that felt very special,” he said.

The award-winning journalist, MSNBC opinion columnist, and founder of one of the top U.S. Latino digital media sites in the world hosted his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College, thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Varela spent the day meeting with faculty and students and talked with the Mitchell community about the power of storytelling through podcasts and the craft of making them. During a morning discussion with communication classes, he explained that journalism and storytelling are a craft and a discipline.

“We have to be responsible” in telling stories “and be credible, honest, and truthful,” he said. He encouraged students to use their time at college to “tell stories in a supportive place.”

“Your stories matter. Everyone’s stories matter,” he added.

Why Tell Stories?

Varela explained that “We have ‘invisibilized’ so many voices for centuries that we have forgotten how our humanity connects us. In a country that continues to grow more and more socially isolated, we cannot give up, and [must] remind ourselves that storytelling from diverse voices will be what nourishes us.”

Latino Rebels Radio Podcast

Varela chose to record his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College knowing the college’s reputation for inclusivity and specialized programs for all type of learners. He used a small panel format style and talked to two or three students at a time. Altogether seven Mitchell College students—Anna Kate Kochansky, Tommy Simmons, David Arbuckle, Will Dreier, Olivia DeCicco, Alyssa Hovey, and Joseph “JuJu” Volkerts—shared personal stories of the joys and challenges they experience attending a college committed to embracing and celebrating difference. The community was invited to watch as the podcast was taking place, and the room was full to capacity.

Varela spent the lunch hour before the recording getting to know the students, which Anna Kate Kochansky said was the most fun part of the experience.

“I enjoyed talking to Julio at lunch before the podcast. He gave me some tips, like ‘be yourself,’ and he also wrote down the topics he was going to talk about. It was super interesting to be part of the podcast recording,” Kochansky said.

David Arbuckle agrees.

“I had a lot of fun talking with Julio before and during the podcast. His relaxed and understanding attitude helped ease any stress. Julio enabled the interviewees and audience to be more authentically engaged by framing neurodiversity through a realistic lens and incorporated humor and praise organically.”

When asked about the rewards and challenges of interviewing, Varela said, “I am inherently curious, so I enjoy asking people questions and trying to make them feel comfortable to share their stories with sincerity and compassion.” He added that it is all about “human connections and collegiality.”

Student Tommy Simmons found the biggest challenge to be in front of a live audience.

“The most challenging part of the experience was the room being as full as it was. I loved it, but at the same time it was a little hard because I know almost everyone on campus—faculty, staff, and students—but not everyone knows my story,” he said.

His favorite part of the experience was not only sharing his story but learning the stories of the other participants. “I think everyone brought something fantastic to the conversation, and I hope this podcast is something that will start the conversation on neurodiversity,” Simmons said.

Alyssa Hovey said, “We were going into the podcast not knowing the questions. When I was first asked a question, I had to think of an answer on the spot, but over time I was able to come up with answers more easily. Julio told us to think of the podcast as a friendly conversation at the dinner table and to look at him and the other students on the panel [and not the audience] the whole time. If he didn’t say that I would be more nervous than I was. This was a great opportunity to work on my public speaking skills, and I am grateful that I could participate.”

Will Dreier spoke openly about his autism.

“The most challenging part of the experience, at first, was knowing how to prepare for the podcast,” Dreier said. “But it was fun getting to express my ideas, discuss autism representation in media, and, of course, giving my most iconic speech about autism being my superpower. Before the podcast, Julio talked to us about seeing yourself in the media and putting yourself out there. This gave me enough confidence and knowledge of what I truly wanted to say. And I loved hearing about how moved everyone was by my speech!”

Varela said a highlight of his experience at Mitchell College was talking with and learning more about members of the Mitchell College community, “especially the student guests, who were all fabulous.”

Hear the podcast: https://www.latinorebels.com/2023/09/30/neuroinclusivitybelongingradicalhospitality/

Mitchell College students participate in a podcast
Mitchell College students participate in a podcast
Mitchell College students participate in a podcast

Children’s Learning Center Welcomes New Director

Oct 19, 2023 | News

The Children’s Learning Center at Mitchell College recently welcomed Jill Fidrych as its new director. In her role, she will oversee the operations of the center and lead the staff in providing a nurturing and safe educational environment for its preschool program.  

A Rhode Island native and southeastern Connecticut resident with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Fidrych said, “I have a lifelong passion for educating and shaping the future of our youngest learners and fostering a love of lifelong learning. The Children’s Learning Center at Mitchell College is not just a place of education but a warm and vibrant community where children thrive. I am especially passionate about the Reggio Emilia philosophy for nurturing curious, creative, and confident learners and also look forward to mentoring our Mitchell College students studying early childhood education.” 

The Children’s Learning Center at Mitchell College uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to the curriculum that makes children partners in the learning process. The center also serves as a laboratory school for Mitchell College students, guiding them to achieve their educational and professional goals through diverse and challenging internships. 

For more information about the Children’s Learning Center, go to mitchell.edu/childrens-learning-center. 

Mitchell College Partners with Community to Address Food Insecurity Among Students

Oct 12, 2023 | News

Food insecurity isn’t something that only happens in other places to other people. It often happens close to home — in communities where we live and work — including in college communities across the country.

To serve this need, Mitchell College established the Mariner Market, an on-campus food pantry for students. The College increased the capacity of the market recently by joining the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center network in Southeastern Connecticut to serve students experiencing food insecurity. Mariner Market is located in The Cove student center behind Michael’s Dairy on Montauk Avenue.

According to Dr. Alicia Martinez, dean of student experience and belonging and chief student affairs officer, the issue of food insecurity among students came to the attention of faculty and staff members last year.

“During the Fall 2022 semester, I received a couple of emails from faculty and staff regarding students who were struggling with food insecurity. Utilizing different resources, we were able to help each of these students, but it brought up the question: how many other students who are struggling have not opened up to a Mitchell staff member? The question became even more prominent after reviewing results from the Healthy Minds Survey, which is part of our JED [mental health] program implementation. The survey showed 30% of respondents had food insecurity concerns and 15% had unstable housing concerns. If we wanted our students to be successful and be able to focus on academics, we knew something needed to be done and the idea of a pantry on campus developed.”

Professor Kevin Booker was one of the Mitchell community members who contacted Dr. Martinez on behalf of the students.

“We had a conversation about possibly starting a food pantry,” Martinez said. “Kevin reached out to some of his local connections and was able to have a professional colleague come to campus to share some thoughts about how to go about starting a pantry. Kevin also visited other institutions with pantries on campus to identify some best practices, and he helped us acquire some of the first donations offered through the pantry. We launched a pilot program late spring and over the summer to see if students would utilize the pantry, and they did.”

Mitchell College then applied to partner with the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center as a partner agency and received approval on June 6, 2023.

Martinez said the students voted on the name of the pantry and Student Affairs Fellow Luis Ramirez ’22 created the logo design for the Mariner Market.

Antaya Lee, director of student engagement and orientation, said that students can visit the market once a week

“The inventory of the Mariner Market varies,” she said, “but there are usually a variety of snacks, easily microwavable meals, like soups and mac and cheese, sodas, sports drinks, and seltzers. The market was also able to participate in a non-food giveaway with the United Way and received school supplies, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.”

She added, “We can ‘shop’ with the Gemma Moran United Way food center weekly to get items to supply the Mariner Market. We can also accept outside donations if they meet the requirements we have to maintain in terms of expiration dates, etc.”

Mariner Market is currently seeking donations of reusable shopping bags. Donations can be dropped off at The Cove student center during regular business hours, or arrange a time by emailing  Antaya Lee, director of student engagement and orientation, at lee_a@mitchell.edu or Rachel Ricciuti, student affairs fellow, at ricciuti_r@mitchell.edu.

 

Shelving stocked with food at the Mariner Market