Taking a gap year during the educational journey is not uncommon. Even a couple of years is not unusual, as life sometimes has a way of making us slow down. What is unusual is for a student to start their college career, get pregnant, go into labor while sitting in their psychology class, put their education on hold for two decades while raising their children, and then return to school to finish what they started 24 years earlier. That‘s Regina Boateng’s story. And it is unique.

“I am originally from Ghana, West Africa. I moved to the United States in 1996 and lived in New York City,” said Boateng. “A friend of mine was attending TC3 at the time and introduced me to the nursing program in 2002. Her recommendation is what first brought me to TC3 many years ago.”

Her plan when she came to TC3 was to get her nursing degree and return to the Bronx. Getting pregnant changed her plans. “With the help of a TC3 staff member (Candy Janke, who is now retired but at the time worked at the College’s information desk), I found a place to live in Ithaca and raise my two children as a single mother. Because of her, Ithaca became my home, and her support is one of the reasons I returned to TC3 to complete my nursing program.”

Having so many years in between her attendance at TC3 means she has experiences that cross generations. “I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people at TC3,” she said. “One of my most memorable experiences was going into labor during a psychology class while pregnant with my first child. A security officer helped me get back to Candy and get the care I needed. That officer was always very kind and would often bring me food, saying, ‘Here Regina, I got food for you and your baby—eat for two.’ It’s amazing to look back and realize that was 24 years ago.”

Her second attempt at college brought with it new opportunities to experience the support TC3 is known for. “I have had the opportunity to get to know Shadayvia Wallace and Tracey Brunner through EOP, and they have been incredibly supportive,” she said. “Their office became a safe space where I could cry, vent, and reflect.”

“I am truly grateful for everyone who has been part of my nursing school journey.”