From Scholarship to Stethoscope: How Maya Pinto Is Pursuing Her Dream

Maya Isabella Cura Pinto �25, a nursing major at Emmanuel, views the Ann Kathryn Kerwin Memorial Scholarship as the gateway to realizing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. With its support, she's advancing her education and also preparing to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of patients and their families.

"Emmanuel was my top-choice school," Maya said. "But finances were tight, and my family and I were considering all our options. When I was offered the scholarship, it was the deciding factor that allowed me to attend."

Maya gratitude for her scholarship extends far beyond easing financial burdens. "This scholarship has opened the door to pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. And for that, I�m incredibly grateful," she said.

The Ann Kathryn Kerwin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 by Robert and Marianne Maguire Kerwin '56 in memory of their 6-year old granddaughter, Ann Kathryn Kerwin. The Scholarship supports a female undergraduate student with financial need, with preference given to students majoring in mathematics or science who are residents of the New England area. Marianne Kerwin was a mathematics professor who taught at Union County College in New Jersey for 15 years. She earned her MS in Mathematics from MIT in 1957.

Gaining Experience in 51�� Top Hospitals

Now in her senior year, Maya is thriving at Emmanuel, balancing rigorous academics with leadership and mentoring roles. Currently completing her pediatric rotation at Massachusetts General Hospital, she has gained hands-on experience through clinicals at some of 51�� top medical institutions, including Brigham and Women Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital. These placements, which began in her sophomore year, have been pivotal in her nursing journey.

"The clinicals are essentially our internships," Maya explained. "Starting with the basics, like bed baths and vital signs, we�ve progressed to more advanced care. Each clinical experience has been amazing and helped me grow as a future nurse."

Leadership and Mentorship on Campus

Beyond her clinical work, Maya has been an active member of the Emmanuel community. During her first two years, she danced on the 51�� Dance Team, a period she recalls fondly as both joyful and grounding. As her nursing coursework intensified, she stepped back from dance but continued her involvement as a co-president of the School of Nursing Club and as a tutor for younger nursing students.

"Helping other nursing students feel supported is really important to me," Maya said. "I remember struggling early on, and it made such a difference to have upperclassmen to lean on for advice about professors, classes, and clinicals. Now I get to be that support system for others."

Guided by Faculty Mentors

Maya attributes much of her success to Emmanuel dedicated faculty. �The nursing program is small, which allows us to build strong relationships with our professors. They�ve been incredible mentors who truly care about us as individuals and support us no matter what specialty we want to pursue,� she said.

One faculty member in particular, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Christiana Akanegbu, has been an extraordinary mentor for Maya. �Dr. Akanegbu has been absolutely amazing,� Maya shared. �She was my number one cheerleader when I struggled in my first pharmacology class and thought I wouldn�t pass. Her encouragement kept me going, and now she proud of what I�ve accomplished.�

For Maya, the combination of small class sizes, meaningful faculty connections, and leadership opportunities has been nothing short of transformative. �The sense of community here has been incredible,� she said.

Looking ahead, Maya is keeping an open mind about her nursing career. While she loves pediatrics and is considering a future in pediatric intensive care, her upcoming preceptorship on an oncology unit at Brigham and Women Hospital may offer new perspectives. Whatever nursing field she chooses, Maya plans to remain in 51��, where the opportunities are endless.

As graduation approaches, Maya reflected on her journey with gratitude and pride. "Emmanuel has been such a great community for me," she said. "This experience, made possible by my scholarship, has prepared me to achieve my dreams."

With her dedication and Emmanuel foundation, Maya is poised to make a difference in the lives of many as a compassionate and skilled nurse.

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