Graduating nursing student finds support at STCC during family challenge

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – As she was poised to start the second year of the nursing program at Springfield Technical Community College, Kristen Racine-Melendez received news no parent wants to hear: her 5-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia.

Racine-Melendez considered dropping out, but with support from her family and STCC faculty and classmates, she found a way to continue pursuing a degree while juggling the pressing demands of her son’s illness.

She was determined to finish the program and graduate, not only for herself, but for her son, Chase. It was a balancing act for Racine-Melendez and her husband, Carlos Melendez. They would give their son all the support he needed while looking toward a brighter future. They were not only parenting Chase, but raising and caring for his twin sister, Kira.

Racine-Melendez’s journey through the STCC nursing program stands as a testament to resilience and determination. The initial shock and disbelief of her son Chase’s diagnosis soon gave way to a fierce determination to do whatever it takes to support him through his treatment while also pursuing her own dreams of becoming a nurse.

“My son was diagnosed Aug. 12, [2023] and it was definitely a hard experience,” said Racine-Melendez, 32, of Ludlow. “It was two weeks before my third semester started, and I had to adjust rather quickly and learn how to juggle both a sick child and being in school.”

She worked long days as a nursing student while also spending time going to Boston Children’s Hospital, where her son was admitted for two months. She would drive from Western Massachusetts to Boston every Friday after classes and stay with him until the following Monday or Tuesday. Her husband would then drive out to relieve her, and Racine-Melendez would return to Springfield to attend nursing classes.

Chase was discharged after two months. This past spring, she and her husband continued to drive their son to Boston for treatment every Tuesday – a day she doesn’t have school. During which, she had thoughts of leaving her school work to focus on helping her son, but thankfully his condition was improving. He had gone into remission. She eventually realized that she could make it to graduation day.

It will be an emotional day for Racine-Melendez and her family.

“I’m going to finish school, and then I think I will have the time and energy to fully focus on my son,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve fully grieved yet. I’ve held it in, and I’ve just put all of my emotion into school.”

I’m going to finish school, and then I think I will have the time and energy to fully focus on my son. I don’t think I’ve fully grieved yet. I’ve held it in, and I’ve just put all of my emotion into school. Kristen Racine-Melendez, STCC nursing student

“I contemplated (leaving the program),” she said. “I didn’t know how I was going to go forward with school and be with my son at the same time. It’s very hard. I was torn between being there for him and finishing school for him.”

She made a plan with her husband. He took family leave from his work in construction for eight months to focus on Chase, while Racine-Melendez would have time for schoolwork.

When she spoke about her experience on a sunny day in April, Racine-Melendez appeared to be optimistic about the future. She was nearing the completion of her studies, and Chase was doing well after a long health ordeal.

STCC Commencement will be held on May 30 at MassMutual Center, and Racine-Melendez plans to go to the  57^th Commencement to receive her degree while her family will no doubt cheer her on – as will many of her classmates and nursing faculty.

After receiving the news of her son's diagnosis, she met with the nursing faculty to discuss her options. Despite the emotional weight of the situation, she decided to continue with nursing school, knowing she had strong support at home.

Lisa Fugiel, Director of Nursing at STCC, said the faculty remained attentive and ready to connect her with any additional resources needed to support her journey toward her nursing degree.

“Despite the immense personal strain of her son's diagnosis, she has shown unwavering dedication to her studies and clinical responsibilities,” Fugiel said. “Kristen’s ability to maintain focus and commitment in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring.”

Her son’s health challenge inspired Racine-Melendez and a group of her classmates to do their senior research project on cancer treatment for children. At a campus event, they presented their research poster and fielded questions from visitors. Graduating seniors set up research posters around the forum of the Student Learning Commons. From exploring innovative approaches to patient care to delving into the intricacies of healthcare policy, each poster encapsulated months of rigorous investigation, analysis and critical thinking.

“It really hit home for us,” said Yvette Turgeon, a nursing student who worked on the research that examined pain management and pediatric oncology. She said the students grew close outside of school, especially in light of Racine-Melendez’s son’s cancer battle.

Racine-Melendez sometimes would bring Chase to one of her classmates’ houses to work on the research. Chase would play with one of the other students’ children while the parents studied.

“It built a strong bond for all of us,” Turgeon said. “We’re all going through the same tough academic experience as mothers and as friends. We’re finding a work-life balance. We bonded over that.”

Racine-Melendez praised the quality of the STCC nursing program and the support she received from the faculty. Nursing students say it’s a tough program that requires commitment and dedication. They appreciate the resources, which includes access to the STCC Patient Simulation Center allowing students to train in real-life situations using robots that simulate all kinds of health scenarios.

Racine-Melendez appreciated the experience she received working clinicals, which offer real-world training at area health care facilities.

“It has definitely prepared me for my field,” she said of the STCC program. “I put a lot of energy into my clinicals to make sure I take as much as I can out of it to help me in the long run.”

After graduation, Racine-Melendez plans to enter the nursing profession. She and her classmates will be in demand as the state faces a nursing shortage. She has a job in the emergency room at Mercy Medical Center where she has been a technician for seven years. She will transition from tech to nurse.

“I always wanted to be a nurse. My aunt and grandmother were nurses,” she said. “It was just a matter of life coming together at the right time.”

Her classmate, Yvette Turgeon, said of the many nursing graduates working at area health care facilities. “The majority of them are STCC graduates,” she said. “It’s amazing how much this program has impacted this area and the nurses that are working in this area.”

Prospective STCC nursing students may be able to study for free. In the fall of 2023 Massachusetts Department of Higher Education announced a Community College Nursing Scholarship Program to cover tuition, fees and books after other forms of financial aid have been exhausted.

Massachusetts also offers MassReconnect, a free college program for state residents 25 and older who meet certain requirements. Because of her age, Racine-Melendez qualified as a MassReconnect student for her senior year.

Before enrolling at STCC, Racine-Melendez served for six years in the Army National Guard. Saying she was not ready for college, she had enlisted in the military soon after graduating from high school. She later married Carlos Melendez and they had twins, Chase and Kira, a girl.

After serving in the military, she came to STCC to pursue a phlebotomy certificate.

“I’m glad I got the certificate. It got me in the door to bigger things,” she said. “I worked as a phlebotomist and then transferred to the ER to work as a technician.

“I enhanced all of my skills,” she continued. “I think I had grown up enough and was ready for the nursing program at STCC.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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