This story is part of our “HACC Heroes” series. We recognize the severity of the global coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our communities. During this challenging time, we want to thank and recognize some of the many HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The heroes of this story are HACC nursing students and volunteer tutors Janai Boran and Amber DiNatale.

 
HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC nursing students Janai Boran and Amber DiNatale are going above and beyond during this challenging time by tutoring their peers at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

When the transition to remote instruction was made due to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Boran and DiNatale moved swiftly to set up Zoom tutoring sessions for the remainder of the spring semester. In addition to keeping up with their own responsibilities and coursework, Boran said that they “extended their (tutoring) hours this last minimester to help more nursing students during this time of remote learning that might be challenging.”

DiNatale said, “I still go to work full time, and I still devote most of my week to school... I am trying to be as available as possible for other students. Of course, they can always go to the instructors for help, but I think it is different coming from a fellow student because we can relate to each other.” Although she misses being in school, “technology can be an amazing thing,” said DiNatale.

DiNatale’s message to her peers, especially the ones who are graduating next month, is that “even though this is not what we expected or wanted, this is an opportunity to learn in a way we never have before. Change is tough but we are fortunate to be given this extra opportunity and learning experience.”

Despite nursing students being unable to finish clinical rotations due to the coronavirus, the nursing faculty adjusted quickly by providing virtual simulations. Boran said that “the Nursing Department was able to still make modifications (on) short notice and continue with teaching and making sure this current cohort can still graduate this spring.”

Thanks to Boran and DiNatale, their nursing student peers are getting extra help to meet that goal. 

 
Photo Caption: Janai Boran, HACC nursing student and volunteer tutor


About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.