Gaining Experience in Boston’s Top Hospitals
Now in her senior year, Maya is thriving at Emmanuel, balancing rigorous academics with leadership and mentoring roles. Currently completing her pediatric rotation at Massachusetts General Hospital, she has gained hands-on experience through clinicals at some of Boston’s top medical institutions, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital. These placements, which began in her sophomore year, have been pivotal in her nursing journey.
"The clinicals are essentially our internships," Maya explained. "Starting with the basics, like bed baths and vital signs, we’ve progressed to more advanced care. Each clinical experience has been amazing and helped me grow as a future nurse."
Leadership and Mentorship on Campus
Beyond her clinical work, Maya has been an active member of the Emmanuel community. During her first two years, she danced on the Emmanuel College Dance Team, a period she recalls fondly as both joyful and grounding. As her nursing coursework intensified, she stepped back from dance but continued her involvement as a co-president of the School of Nursing Club and as a tutor for younger nursing students.
"Helping other nursing students feel supported is really important to me," Maya said. "I remember struggling early on, and it made such a difference to have upperclassmen to lean on for advice about professors, classes, and clinicals. Now I get to be that support system for others."
Guided by Faculty Mentors
Maya attributes much of her success to Emmanuel’s dedicated faculty. “The nursing program is small, which allows us to build strong relationships with our professors. They’ve been incredible mentors who truly care about us as individuals and support us no matter what specialty we want to pursue,” she said.
One faculty member in particular, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Christiana Akanegbu, has been an extraordinary mentor for Maya. “Dr. Akanegbu has been absolutely amazing,” Maya shared. “She was my number one cheerleader when I struggled in my first pharmacology class and thought I wouldn’t pass. Her encouragement kept me going, and now she’s proud of what I’ve accomplished.”
For Maya, the combination of small class sizes, meaningful faculty connections, and leadership opportunities has been nothing short of transformative. “The sense of community here has been incredible,” she said.
Looking ahead, Maya is keeping an open mind about her nursing career. While she loves pediatrics and is considering a future in pediatric intensive care, her upcoming preceptorship on an oncology unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital may offer new perspectives. Whatever nursing field she chooses, Maya plans to remain in Boston, where the opportunities are endless.
As graduation approaches, Maya reflected on her journey with gratitude and pride. "Emmanuel has been such a great community for me," she said. "This experience, made possible by my scholarship, has prepared me to achieve my dreams."
With her dedication and Emmanuel’s foundation, Maya is poised to make a difference in the lives of many as a compassionate and skilled nurse.
