Daniel Croteau (Peter M. Julian)
Hometown: Claremont, NH
Major: Nursing
Notable Achievements/Activities: Peer advisor, Connell School of Nursing First-Year Nursing Seminar; leader, Connell School SCRUBS retreat; tour guide, Undergraduate Admission Office; Appalachia Volunteer (two years); studied abroad at University of Bergen, Norway via McGillycuddy-Logue Travel Grant; community health clinical in the Dominican Republic.
Post-Graduation Plans: He will take the licensure exam (NCLEX) this summer and plans to relocate and work at a hospital in California.
A self-described “people person,” Daniel Croteau likes to be able to eliminate unnecessary anxiety in others, whether a high school student visiting BC on a campus tour, a Connell School student making the college transition in a First-Year Nursing Seminar, or—in the near future—a family member with a loved one in the ICU. Add to that an interest in science and service and Croteau has the qualities to be a compassionate and skilled nurse.
You spent a semester abroad in Norway.
Part of reason I chose to go to BC was because I knew I wanted to do nursing and I knew I wanted to go abroad. BC lets nursing students study abroad. Norway has mountains and I love hiking; it as a good health care system and I thought it would be cool to experience it. While I was there, I took an environmental psychology class, which is about how everything around you affects your brain, and did a project on how a patient’s hospital environment—the lighting, what’s on the walls, the windows—affects their healing process and mental state.
What was your role as a leader for the SCRUBS retreat?
SCRUBS is about community building and decreasing anxiety for sophomores. We give small talks during the weekend. It’s really about letting them know they are not alone. Nursing is great because you have the same classmates in all your lectures. I know all my classmates by name; that’s one thing I love about being in nursing.
How has BC made a difference in your life?
Reflection. There’s so much reflection! On the Appalachian [service] trips, every single night there was a reflection. On retreats like SCRUBS and Kairos, there’s tons of reflection. Having the opportunity to pause and think about where you’re at in life is so necessary. While I was abroad, I started journaling. BC has really encouraged me to take moments and pause and think about where I’m headed, especially when I’m really stressed out. I don’t think you get that at a lot of other places. Reflection is a big part of Ignatian spirituality.
What has been one of your most memorable moments during your time at BC?
I’d have to say the Dominican Republic trip. I got so close to everybody on that trip. There were only about 10 or 12 of us. Since getting back, we’ve gone out together two or three times. I went to the DR with an open mind. I really wanted to experience some place that was not as well off as the U.S. or Norway. I wasn’t sure what I would get out of it, but it was definitely an eye-opener. Some of houses we saw were literally made of old two-by-fours with a piece of tin across as a roof. I met a gentleman who was 100-something years old. I learned about his life and some of his experiences in the DR He’s someone I think back on.
When I got back to BC, I called my parents. My mom asked me about the trip and what the conditions were like. I’m not an outwardly emotional person, but when I went to describe it, I started crying.
Who has been a mentor to you?
The Connell School is filled with some of the most supportive people on campus. It’s unreal how willing all the professors are to connect with students. I had [Clinical Instructor] Maureen Connolly for Health Assessment Lab my sophomore year. She was a really good mentor. Rosemary Byrne was my clinical faculty member when I went to the DR and I had the chance to get close to her. Whenever I’m in Maloney Hall, I check to see if they are around because I like talking to them. Also, [Assistant Director of Student Services] Brandon Huggon has been a great conversation partner.
What will you miss most?
My friends. I’m lucky enough to have some really, really good friends at BC. They’re very supportive. They’re friends I can be authentic around.
Kathleen Sullivan | University Communications | May 2019