Stories Archives

Thames Student Ready for Next Challenge at Mitchell

Apr 18, 2024 | Stories

Preston Cheng, a Thames at Mitchell College student, is looking forward to transitioning to become a Mitchell College student next year. As he wraps up his Thames experience he has advice for the next class of students who will be attending Thames:

“Don’t give up. Don’t get stressed out if things get too hard. There are plenty of staff to help you figure out an answer, and all are more than happy to help. Have fun being with your friends. Join clubs. This is real life— expand your horizons. Bring the skills you learn at Thames to your next step in life.”

Preston has built this wisdom since coming to Thames as a new student who faced several challenges, which he describes as struggles with reading, writing, and making new friends. After several months of what he calls “taking baby steps or a staircase from one level to another,” he is seeing improvement in all areas.

“I don’t like reading and writing and struggled with both throughout middle and high school. I know that if I want to improve I need help. Thanks to writing workshop offered at Thames I have learned skills to improve my writing, from formatting a paper to pulling out important details from an article. Tutoring helps me, too, in any subject,” he said.

His social skills have strengthened as well.

“I am also not the most open person and have had trouble knowing how to start or jump into conversations. I might say something wrong or something mean. But it’s improving a lot. I enjoy being with my friends at Thames and Mitchell.”

Favorite pastimes with friends include watching Netflix, helping each other with homework, and just hanging out.

Preston points to skills learned in a seminar class focused on building friendships and working as a group, learning how to collaborate and contribute.

“Working with others students that you’ve never worked with before gives you different points of view and perspectives,” he said.

Putting Skills Into Practice

He carries those skills into his work as president of the Thames Cooking Club, something that has been a highlight of his year at Thames.

“We make really good food, from ratatouille to pizza and ramen to Christmas cookies. We plan what we want to make and figure out what ingredients are within our budget. Everyone has a role to play depending on what the meal is. It’s a collaboration.”

He also translated his cooking and organizational skills into his work as a member of a student culinary team participating in Top Chef: Mitchell Edition, an event sponsored by Student Engagement, Residence Life, Dining Services, and the Hospitality Department.

Also a member of the Radio Mitchell Club, Preston said that he likes to hang out in the studio at night.

“It’s a chill place. If you like listening to music, Radio Mitchell is the best place to have a lot of fun.”

Next year Preston will attend Mitchell College, majoring in early childhood education, with plans to become a teacher.

“I am really good at working with young kids and volunteer at home with young students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I like to help people and know that everyone appreciates that help and support.”

A member of the Aspiring Educators Club, he is already off to a good start in pursuing his studies at Mitchell, making connections with Dr. Chris Clouet, assistant professor of early childhood education. Together, they performed children’s songs on guitar for young visitors at the college’s fall Halloween Festival and spring Children’s Songs Festival. (Preston said that he took guitar lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic and was excited to put his lessons to use.)

He reflects on his Thames experience as he looks forward to beginning his bachelor’s program next year.

“It took me a while to get used to the classes, the instructors, my classmates, and friends, but after coming out of my shell I am ready to get to the next level of college to use all the skills that I have learned. I won’t throw everything out the window and forget everything that I learned at Thames. I am excited to put those skills to use in my Mitchell classes.”

Preston Cheng, a member of the Aspiring Educators Club, performs “Old MacDonald” with Dr. Chris Clouet at the spring Children’s Songs Festival.

One Step Closer to Achieving Career Goal

Apr 11, 2024 | Stories

Sevda Kalican, who is set to graduate this May, has long had a dream to work for the State of Connecticut. As a criminal justice major her internship through the Judicial Branch Experiential Learning Program has affirmed that goal. With a placement in juvenile probation at the State of Connecticut Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, she can focus on two of her interests: criminal justice and working with youth.

“I thought juvenile probation would be a good fit for me career-wise,” Kalican said. “I already work in an elementary school and like to work with kids, so I wanted to fuse my two passions together. It’s been awesome. I do many different things.”

There is a misperception about career opportunities in criminal justice, she said.

“So many people say to me, ‘So you wanna be a cop?’ when they hear that I am a criminal justice major. There is so much more to it. You can have a position in the court or a position in the Department of Corrections. There are so many opportunities for growth, and the major doesn’t pigeon-hole you.”

Kalican logs 10 hours per week in her internship; she has had opportunities to sit and observe court, read and summarize police reports for probation officer files, observe assessments being done on clients, and read documentation from Child Protection. She also goes on school visits to meet with guidance counselors.

“Some of the biggest issues among clients deals with school,” she said. “Either they are going to school but not going to class, going to class and being disruptive, or not going at all. That is a big challenge.”

Kalican said that Victimology and Crisis Intervention are the criminal justice classes she draws on the most to inform her understanding of the work she is doing in her internship.

“In a lot of instances they were victims of crime resulting in charges and arrests being made, so it helps to understand this dynamic. Also, we see some clients who might not have a lot of family support. When they get into trouble it is a crisis period if they don’t have support in place.”

Kalican also said that communication and social interaction are skills that she uses regularly.

“There is a lot of communication going on between probation officers, prosecutors, families, treatment providers, and schools,” she said.

Her favorite part of her internship has been the people she works with, including three Mitchell College graduates who are probation officers: Kalican’s supervisor Kim Siefert-Charles ’12; William “Barry” Carlos, Jr. ’07; and Te’Quan Alers ’20.

“They are all passionate and want the best for their clients. They want them to succeed and have the support they deserve. They are all amazing and all great.”

One challenge that Kalican has had in her internship was “putting myself out there and letting my supervisor know that I want to work here after I graduate.”

“At 28 I am an older student and have some life experience. I try to use that wisdom to better myself.”

As she waits for a job with the State to become available, Kalican will look for a full-time position in the field to gain more experience. She also plans to investigate master’s programs, with her long-held goal of earning an advanced degree.

“As the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, I am so excited for graduation day. I have been keeping a countdown in my planner. I will cry, and my mom will cry!”

Mitchell Alumni Probation Officers and Intern

From left, probation officers William “Barry” Carlos, Jr. ’07, Te’Quan Alers ’20, and Kim Siefert-Charles ’12 stand with intern Sevda Kalican.

Student Values Small Community with Space to Grow

Mar 5, 2024 | Stories

Small communities have big appeal for Sofia Prada, both as a student at Thames at Mitchell College and as a performer in the college’s performing arts program.

As someone who struggled with executive functioning and time management skills growing up, Prada thought that she could benefit from the year-long college transition program at Thames before entering an undergraduate program.

And she was right.

“I have gotten much better at these skills over time, thanks to the intensive work that we do with our instructors. Something else they do that I like is to push us to talk about something that might feel uncomfortable in the moment, then guide us to turn it into something that will help us in the future. The Thames program has a good method for teaching that to students. It’s helpful because so many students can go overboard with their emotions.”

Prada said that the spectrum of neurodiversity in the program stood out to her when she visited as a prospective student. As a current student she is struck by the level of support given to students.

“Thames is really small, and the support given is an incredible thing. It’s 110% and such a good resource for students. You don’t feel so limited because you have those resources to grow. At the same time, you’re living on a college campus, going through college life.”

She said that when she began at Thames, she was afraid that she would be judged by the Mitchell College students, but found the opposite to be true.

“What shocked me about Thames is how accepting of its students the Mitchell College students are. I found out that many Mitchell students have gone through the same process at Thames. Seeing this gives you reassurance to know that you’re okay and have a team behind you and a good foundation to build on.”

The small size of the community (both Thames and Mitchell College) has allowed Prada to grow as a student, a person, and a performer. She has enjoyed the community service projects that are part of the Thames curriculum, including working in a soup kitchen. She is grateful that “Thames pushes you to do those kinds of things” and notes the “profound kindness” that springs from the experiences.

Prada is passionate about performing arts and has found opportunities on the Mitchell stage, performing in the fall production of “It’s a Wonderful Life–A Live Radio Play” and the spring musical, “Of Thee I Sing.”

“I am the kind of person that likes small and intimate communities and feel over-stimulated in a larger environment,” she said. “In a smaller performing arts community like this one, you have more freedom to grow and craft something in your own way. You don’t have to feel so overwhelmed or pressured to be like ‘I have to get up to this person’s level.’”

Having made many friends through performing arts, Prada is confident in her work as a performer and a person. She credits Jonathan (Jono) Babbitt for her growth, both in his role as a professor in the classroom and as a director on stage, and she looks forward to continuing her studies and performing at Mitchell College next year.

“Jono has taught me much about the true meaning of being a well-prepared and confident performer and what it means to truly work with an ensemble. His teaching is quite memorable, and it is also a challenge. I am taking a music theory class with him, and we’re working on the confidence of the performer and the human. It is super complex and very profound and can help you in many ways. I hope to continue to work with him in the years to come.”

Student’s Dream Shines Light on Others

Feb 13, 2024 | Stories

Inonda Peterson has lots of dreams.

“Dreams on dreams on dreams,” she said. “My biggest dream is to continue pushing in all that I do, never give up, and believe in myself so that I can help other people believe in themselves. I think that is why we are put on this earth: our purpose is to help other people.”

A Mitchell College student-athlete majoring in psychology, Peterson runs on the cross-country team and plays on the women’s basketball team. Despite a very busy schedule, the first-year student is also the force behind “Letting OUR Voices Be Heard,” a campus event celebrating Black History Month. The February 25 community event brings together dozens of Black performers and artists and Black-owned businesses to showcase Black excellence, especially for a younger generation.

“When I was growing up everyone I saw in the media who was deemed powerful was white. Through this event, I want to show the younger generation of people who look like me that they can be whoever they dream of being, despite racial limitations or what mainstream media says they can or cannot be because of the color of their skin.”

She points out that the event is for the entire community—all ages, skin colors, and backgrounds.

“Everyone can have a chance to be educated on Black culture and society and learn how they can better help support the Black community in ways they didn’t know before,” she said.

Last year Peterson launched a business called InondaWrites, LLC, with a mission to give a voice to those who have been silenced by pain. One of her projects (in addition to the event) is a book of poetry entitled “Till Death Do Us Part,” which depicts the stages of grief after heartbreak. It is intended for anyone, regardless of gender, race, or age.

Her own heartbreak came from a relationship with a boy that began and ended in high school.

“When you get into a relationship, sometimes you tie your identity to that person and forget who you were prior to them. You feel like you can’t live without them,” she said.

Power of Poetry

To work through her heartbreak Peterson turned to poetry, which she started to write at age 14 “after a dramatic life-changing situation” altered her view on life.

“I was embarrassed to talk to other people about my pain, so I started to write all my feelings down. I shared my writing with my auntie who helped me realize I was writing poetry. I was never labeled ‘a writer’ by my friends, just an athletic person. I was never an A+ student and got a lot of detentions. The day I found out I could write poetry changed my view of myself.”

Peterson said poetry gives someone a chance to explore emotions in a free place without fear of judgment.

“Poetry gave me a safe place to say everything that I ever wanted to say out loud on paper and to reason with and understand my emotions. That’s when I was finally able to heal. I want my poetry book to provide an outlet for others to say, ‘That’s how I feel. If she was able to heal, I can find the same light and heal.’”

Inspired by Faith

Her poetry also helped her discover that she didn’t need someone else to make her feel happy, to feel joy, or to succeed.

“All I needed was God,” she said. “The book explores and finds faith in darkness and heartbreak.”

Peterson said her faith also inspired her to conceive the Letting OUR Voices Be Heard event.

“God gave me the vision and helped uplift it and didn’t leave me. He helped bring people into my life that believed in the mission as well.”

Among the many people who have supported Inonda in her endeavors at Mitchell is Professor Kevin Booker, who teaches Peterson’s public speaking class. She pitched the event idea to him, and he encouraged her to make an event proposal and get people from around campus to join in support. (Peterson notes that from the greater community State Rep. Anthony Nolan also encouraged her, and she is especially grateful to community partner, mentor, and biggest supporter Lisa Ann Curtis who “has become like my family and has been like God’s angel in human form guiding me.”)

Coming from Houston, TX, Peterson chose Mitchell College as a way to “further expand my horizons to put myself out there and do something I never thought I would do.” She said her parents were “a little scared of me coming this far, but now that they see how I have adjusted to this community in a short amount of months, they’re really happy for me!”

She views Mitchell College as a place of opportunity, and she has jumped in feet first.

“You find yourself in a community that doesn’t judge you but accepts you for who you are. You can explore things that you like and may not like. You can be OK with failing because the professors will help pick you up and help you understand that you can do it, you don’t have to give up, you are not dumb, stupid, or anything people may label you. People can come here, be comfortable in their own skin, and explore their unique differences in a safe place.”

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.

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

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