Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Forging Connections at Mercy
Forging Connections at Mercy
We asked our students about connections they’ve made during their time at ĢAV. Here are a few of their responses, telling us about faculty, staff and other students who have made an impact on their lives.
Physician Assistant, M.S. “There are about 55 people in my program, and I would say that every single one of them has impacted me, motivated me, pushed me. I’m very grateful that, during this time being in PA school, I have them by my side.”
Major: Nursing “There were times in the Nursing program where I felt like maybe this wasn’t for me. Sandra [Farrior] gave me reassurance and told me to remember how far I’d come. She provided the clarity and encouragement to keep going.”
Major: Business Administration: Finance “Juan Alvarez is a great friend, and he’s family to me now. In my time here, we’ve become really close. He even took me to his motherland, Colombia. I’m really grateful that I made such a strong friendship at Mercy.”
Major: History “I met [my friend Marcela] my sophomore year while she was a freshman, and since then we’ve been completely inseparable. She is always making me laugh and motivating me to do my best in my classes.”
Major: Journalism | Minor: Business “Professor Michael Perrota – from the second we met, we connected and he became a mentor for me … he’s been guiding my writing journey throughout my whole time at Mercy.”
Major: Social Work “Raynell Webb helped me to map out my academic course here … to make sure that I’m graduating on time and helped me be a part of the community. Raynell reached out to just connect with me as a person and not just as a student.”
Major: Social Work “Dr. Carol Bennett-Speight is the one who got me into the social work major. It was very hard for me to choose a major, but once I had a conversation with her, everything fell into place. She’s a person I’m really thankful for.”
Major: Biology: Biomedical Studies “I will never stop shouting out Rob Cornetta, my PACT Mentor. I’ve created such a strong bond with him, and that’s helped me get my stuff in order. I feel confident that I’ll leave Mercy with all the accomplishments that I’ve wished and wanted.”
Major: Business Administration, Finance “[Because of Professor Mark Chmiel’s class], my approach to everyday life is ... purposeful and meaningful. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about who you are and the impact you leave behind on other people.”
Major: Business Administration “One of my fondest memories with [Duaa] was when I was stressing about exams. The next day, she put a little note under my door saying, ‘Have a great day. Good luck on midterms!’”
Major: Health Science, Pre-Physician Assistant Studies “I would definitely say friends from my RA team and the orientation team. Shout out to Luis, Maheen, Cassie, Favour, Alfred and Khadijah.”