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Rediscovering Creative Expression

May 21, 2024 | Stories

Communication major Diamara Pagan has always had a passion for graphic design and wrote in her college essay that she had dreams of one day becoming a designer. While life’s obligations dimmed her passion for a while, the rising senior has found her spark again here at Mitchell College, putting her on track to pursue the career of her dreams.

“I live a very hectic life outside of school and part of me lost my passion for design,” Diamara said. “I am a full-time student, work a full-time job, and keep watch over my little sister.”

Her desire to pursue a creative job was reignited, however, through a spring semester internship with Dream In Color Marketing.

“I knew I wanted to do an internship in graphic design and reached out to Paul Dunn for help. I had not taken a graphic design class since high school, so it was hard to find one that would take me as a graphic designer. But we persisted. Paul walked me through the process of creating a new resume, putting together some samples of my work, and sending them off to possible employers. Towards the end of the process, we found the owner of Dream In Color Marketing who was willing to take me remotely.”

Prior to finding and starting work in her internship, Diamara said that she had a few worries.

“I was worried that I would have to sacrifice working in my career of choice for another internship experience. Once I secured my internship, I had so much anxiety that I didn’t have the knowledge to work for Dream In Color Marketing. But I was able to overcome that after a few meetings, and I learned that it’s all about learning new things, informing yourself, and truly listening to the person you work for because you might learn so much from them. The internship was eye-opening.”

Diamara worked 6–8 hours per week, mostly on her own. She met with her supervisor twice a week to discuss expectations for the variety of projects she worked on, including a speaker sheet, a logo, and a workbook template.

“I used examples and notes that I took at my meeting with my supervisor to guide my work, and I looked at her as my ‘client.’ I also researched other work to help inspire me. I also drew on lessons from my communication classes, including Effective Presentations, Organizational Communications, Interpersonal Communication, and Visual Communication. There’s a level of professionalism that you must show in your job and these classes helped me with that.”

In addition to communication skills, Diamara also practiced problem-solving and technology.

“In my work I had to actively use email for communication and know how to ask the right questions to create a perfect product and figure out how to fix something if it wasn’t working right.”

Already proficient in Adobe design products, Diamara was introduced to Canva.

“It is easy and user-friendly and where I did most of my design work. Using it to create something professional and creative made me enjoy my internship experience even more.”

 Grateful to have completed an internship using graphic design skills, Diamara looks forward to the future.

“My internship experience was life-changing for me. It brought back my motivation to be creative again after feeling a little lost in my talent. I look forward to pursuing life as a junior graphic designer after college and working my way up from there.”

She attributes the support at Mitchell for helping set her up for success after she graduates.

“There is such a strong sense of community here, hands-on professors, and motivational support from everyone around you. The faculty and staff are very adamant about helping you achieve success. My writing has gotten better, and I have learned how to be successful in interviews. Mitchell College has also shown me not to be afraid of what comes next because my decisions are meant to be learned from, not avoided. The skills and intelligence I can expand on will bring me to greater heights in my life. It makes me feel positive about my future!”

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 and Dr. Chris Clouet

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.