- March, 24, 2026
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“Nursing has quite simply changed my life. Throughout this journey, I was also raising my two children and striving to build a better life for them, while modeling the importance of perseverance and education.”
Grounded in her values and an unwavering commitment to her family, Racquel Rose ’25, balanced work, motherhood, and unthinkable loss while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Curry College.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Racquel came to the United States carrying the hopes and sacrifices of her parents, who instilled in her a deep sense of community and the value of hard work. Those lessons, along with the sense of practical stability, guided her towards a career in nursing, a profession rooted in compassion and service.
Her path into healthcare began as a nursing assistant, where she gained experience within a range of roles from childcare and customer service to working as a receptionist, phlebotomist, and home health aide. Determined to advance her career, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse credential, then completed her Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
When she decided to pursue her BSN in Nursing, Curry College quickly rose to the top of her list. “Colleagues described Curry professors as nurturing, accessible, and clear in their instruction. Students spoke so highly of their willingness to provide extra support.”
But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Racquel’s journey took an unexpected turn. After contracting the virus herself, she experienced a devastating loss—her mother, whom she describes as her best friend and anchor, passed away from complications of COVID-19.
“I stopped functioning,” she said. “It was the hardest road I have ever walked.”
After stepping away for a bit to focus on family and healing, she returned to Curry, determined to finish what she started. With the support of faculty who understood the realities of balancing work, family, and school, she persisted.
Racquel Rose '25I have so many examples of how my professors supported me through my journey. They recognized that we had lives outside of Curry that included our families, jobs, and struggles. They gave me permission to ask for help when I needed it, and they never made me feel unworthy for struggling.
As she prepared for graduation, two of her professors, Dr. Tonya Boyd and Dr. Gerta Mallei left a lasting impression on Racquel, mentoring and encouraging her through the home stretch. This added a meaningful final chapter to her Curry experience. “Coming from the countryside of St. Ann Jamaica to America, I strived to be more than what my parents could have imagined. Being exposed to Dr. Boyd and Dr. Mallei as the culminating professors in my BSN journey showed me that the opportunities are there for people like myself. They showed me that I belong. They pushed me to be the best version of myself and inspired me with their own achievements.”
And that support made all the difference.
Racquel received her BSN degree in December of 2025. She earned a nearly-perfect 3.97 GPA and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, recognizing her academic achievement and dedication to the profession.
Now that Racquel has completed her BSN, she will continue her journey in a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner master’s program, where she plans to focus on improving access to culturally responsive care.
“I’m excited for the road ahead and am deeply grateful for every step that brought me here. I’m ready to continue my journey, not just for myself, but for every patient who deserves a provider who sees them, hears them, and believes in their future. One day, I will pursue my doctorate, because Curry taught me that my potential has no limits.”
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