Géraldine Palomino, 43, is in her third year in the nursing program at Champlain. After working as an auxiliary nurse for more than 15 years, and raising five kids, Palomino decided it was time to go back to school and improve her career prospects.

Having worked in hospitals and private clinics, Palomino said she was ready to upgrade, but nervous to take the leap as a full-time student.

“It was scary. I quit my job and came to school. That was the most stressful time in my life,” she said.

With the encouragement of her husband and children, Palomino said things started to fall into place and she found her rhythm managing school and home life.

“How do I do it? I really don’t know. It’s like having plan A, B, C, D, E, F, G all the time. There’s always a backup plan of a backup plan. It’s a lot of time management. When homework is due, I don’t have time to mess around.”

Her youngest child is six years old, and she’s got a 9-year-old, 13-year-old and 17-year-old as well as her eldest who is 27.

“I wouldn’t be here without my kids,” she said, adding that her older kids stepped up to help with caring for younger siblings, cooking and cleaning.

She said it’s been a challenging journey to go back to school but one that she has rekindled her love for learning.

Having so many responsibilities, she said, helps her to focus on making the most of this opportunity.

“This is a lifechanging decision for me,” she said. “There’s not going to be another chance.”

When she made the decision to start a Cegep program, she was worried about fitting in and making friends as an older student. But she soon realized that there were other parents and mature students in the program, and she was met with warmth and support from the department.

“I love Champlain, it’s like a small family,” she said.

Palomina has been embraced by her peers and teachers as a constant source of positivity and generosity.

“She is quite the inspiration to all students,” said nursing teacher Laura Pellicciotta.

“Géraldine is strong, devoted, and so compassionate to patients, families, and colleagues. Most of our students hold those values, but there is something so unique and powerful about her, kind-hearted, opens her door to all whenever they need a helping hand.”

Palomino is hoping her children will learn from her example and pursue their goals despite any challenges or barriers.

Her eldest daughter recently graduated with a degree in engineering from Concordia University and her 17-year-old is thinking of following in her mom’s footsteps by applying to Champlain’s nursing program next year.

She said after she finishes her degree in nursing, she wants to continue her studies at the university level.