Fall 2024 Commencement: Nautica Chappell Makes a Better Life
Nautica Chappell is determined to overcome life’s obstacles.
The 26-year-old Cleveland resident is a single mother, serves in the U.S. Army Reserve and is a first-generation college student at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®). She’s also intent on reaping the benefits of her life’s hard work when she sends her child to college.
"I know one day that his experience will be far less stressful than mine," Chappell said.
As a child in the foster care system, Chappell was abused by her adoptive parents. She overcame that experience and made it her mission to provide a happy life for her 7-year-old son.
"As I express the importance of education to my son, I quickly realized he is more likely to do as he sees and not as I say," Chappell said. "That was my wake-up call to join the U.S. Army Reserve and enroll in college."
Chappell previously earned a nursing certification from Tri-C in 2023 and came back to earn her associate degree.
She will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from the School of Nursing and Health Careers during Tri-C’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 12 at the Wolstein Center.
Chappell recently accepted a position as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit and hopes to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. She also plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing from either Cleveland State University, Ohio University or Youngstown State University.
What made you choose Tri-C? When did you first enroll?
I chose Tri-C for a few reasons: affordability, accessibility with multiple locations, and the flexibility to earn an LPN certification and gain health care experience before obtaining my RN degree.
Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
Tri-C has introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors. Professor LaToia Gaitor supported me as a single mom going through school. Assistant Professor Marissa Henriksen motivated me to come back and lecture to future nursing students of Tri-C. After failing a class, I came back stronger than ever and kept my eye on the prize. Lastly, Tri-C’s TRIO program gave me a support system to help resolve challenges along my journey.
How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C gave me the opportunity to start my amazing career as a nurse and provided me with the education toward a career that will allow me to comfortably provide for my child.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
I have a few:
- Learn the pathophysiology of the disease, then learn and treat your patient.
- Today’s worries will be tomorrow’s testimony.
- You only fail when you stop trying.
- Your child didn’t ask to be here, so give them the life they deserve.
Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on Dec. 12 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024.
December 11, 2024
By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu