First-generation nursing student finds her path at Montana Tech
For as long as Paige Vincelette can remember, she wanted to be a nurse. She took a certified nursing assistant (CNA) class in high school in Vermont and after graduation, went directly into the healthcare workforce, honing her skills in patient care.
After working as a travel CNA in Colorado and later in the Missoula area for a couple of years, she decided she would pursue her nursing degree.
“Nobody in my family has gone to college,” Vincelette said. “It was very daunting not having someone help guide me in the right direction when I started here at Montana Tech. I knew where I wanted to be in life and as nerve-wracking as college seemed, I am glad I took the first step and applied. As time has gone on, college has become easier to navigate.”
Montana Technological University’s Sherry Lesar School of Nursing was the closest college offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the University, Vincelette met Associate Dean of Students and Executive Director of Student Success Sarah North Wolfe who connected her with Montana 10, the Montana University System's signature student success program that provides a scholarship and evidence-based support to help low-income, Native American, rural, and other underserved students.
North Wolfe also connected Vincelette with the TRIO Student Support Services STEM program. TRIO is a federally funded program designed to serve first-generation, income eligible, and students with disabilities. The program provides opportunities in academic development, financial literacy, career awareness, and other college requirements. TRIO Student Support Services STEM serves to motivate students towards the successful completion of their post-secondary education.
As part of the program, Vincelette is advised by Director of TRIO Student Support Services Carissa Johnson.
“Carissa has been lovely,” Vincelette said. “She's helped me with anything FAFSA-related, and answered the questions that I had no one else to ask. She’s been a huge help in figuring out how to navigate college and has made the experience and mental load easier.”
Vincelette has utilizing tutoring through TRIO and the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) to succeed.
“I learned not to be afraid to ask my professors for help,” Vincelette said. “I ask a lot of questions and reach out if something’s not making sense. I highly recommend tutors if you’re struggling. Nursing is hard, but the ACE and TRIO tutors have helped lighten the mental load.”
Vincelette has many people cheering her on, including family and friends. Even though her parents are more than 2,000 miles away, she talks with them every day, and their support means a lot.
Still, at the end of the day, it’s Vincelette who has to study hard, pick-up shifts as a CNA to help pay for school, and keep her dream alive. She has plans of working as a registered nurse, and eventually going back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
“Financially, getting through college is challenging — managing bills and tuition is not a walk in the park,” Vincelette said. “You have to sacrifice a lot and just keep reminding yourself that it’s not forever. The hardest part has been balancing being a full-time student while trying to maintain friendships, relationships, and financial security.”
Vincelette says having support is a huge help.
“The Montana 10 scholarship and TRIO have made such a difference,” she said. “They’ve connected me with the right people to go to when I need help.”
The Institute of Educational Opportunities will be hosting a series of events celebrating first-generation college students, staff, and faculty on November 5 through 7, as part of a National First-Generation College Student Day on November 8. Please join us in the celebration by participating in any or all of the events below:
1st Generation College Student Celebration Day Resource Fair
Wednesday, November 5 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm | Copper Lounge
Campus and community partners will table to provide information and resources to support all students.
1st Generation Speaker Panel
Thursday, November 6 | 3:30 pm-5:00 pm | Library Auditorium
Join us to hear the experiences and stories of our campus and community members who were first-generation college trailblazers themselves and learn where their journey has taken them.
Auction/Bingo Night!
Friday, November 7 | 6:30 pm-8:00 pm | Knights of Columbus
Join us as the fun continues with bingo and an auction of great items from Fairmont Hot Springs, Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures, Montana Whitewater, Griz Athletics, and more!