Currently I am a Registered Nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital where I work on a Heart and Vascular Unit as a specially trained Cardiac RN.
What was your educational path after graduating from St. Mary School?
I attended Joseph A. Foran High after SMS. I went on to attend University of Connecticut for my undergraduate studies in Allied Health Sciences. I graduated UConn in 2017 with honors and went on to pursue nursing at Fairfield University School of Nursing in their Accelerated Nursing Program. The program was 15 months and I graduated with my second bachelor’s degree in Nursing with Magna Cum Laude status.
What volunteer efforts are you involved with?
In addition to my ongoing donations to the SMS food pantry, I am involved with several charity events through my job at Yale New Haven Hospital. A specific example of the efforts I’m involved in include participating in a clothing and coat drive every winter to ensure that low-income New Haven residents are kept warm.
How do you feel SMS prepared you academically?
SMS instilled a strong work ethic in me at a very early age. Attending K-8 at SMS provided me with a solid foundation. I grew in my faith and education during my nine years at SMS.
Do you feel SMS provided you with a foundation for your future?
Absolutely!! I am super proud of who I am today, and St. Mary School had a big part in that development. For nine years I was privileged to be surrounded by kindness that flooded the halls of SMS day in and day out. To this day, some of my childhood classmates remain some of my best friends and I am forever thankful for the small and secure learning environment in which I was able to learn with them.
What are some of your favorite memories of SMS?
Some of my favorite memories include the father daughter dances, talent shows, and bake sale and raffle days! Father daughter dances were so special, and it was a yearly tradition that afterwards all the dads and daughters went to Friendly’s. I can remember being so excited on bake sale days when the intercom came on and winners were announced. It was so exciting even if I didn’t win, because someone I knew always did and it was fun to hear them announced. I also enjoyed the opportunity to walk in the hallways and catch a glimpse of my younger sisters in their designated classrooms.
What are your plans for the future?
I eventually want to attend graduate school to receive my Doctorate in Nursing Practice to be a Nurse Practitioner.
What advice can you give to our students?
Never lose site of how special of an opportunity it is to be able to attend SMS. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days when I was jealous of my neighborhood friends who didn’t have to wear a uniform every day, but looking back, I realize without a doubt how special my time at SMS was. I am very fortunate to be able to have had such a great and pivotal education which definitely helped me get to where I am today. Work hard and know that SMS will help you for many years to come!
