Growing up in Italy, Gateway Community College (GCC) student Flaminia Aceranti didn’t know much about Connecticut until she moved to the area three years ago to become an au pair. 

Along the way, she developed a new appreciation for learning and deepened her understanding of the role of nutrition on health. Later this month, she will be collecting her diploma along with 997 other GCC graduates. Her hard work paid off recently when she received the Outstanding Student Award from the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Flaminia’s adventurous journey to GCC and her newfound love of education came about unexpectedly. Born and raised in Rome, she had no immediate plans to continue her education after high school, choosing instead to work and save money. Flaminia’s mother had participated in an au pair program in England and encouraged her to consider the international program to gain experience and improve her English fluency.

Flaminia liked the idea and began making plans to come to the United States, where she was initially matched with a family in Boston and had some familiarity with the region. Eventually placed with a family in Westport, Flaminia learned she would be responsible for caring for two girls, ages eight and 12. Since the program encourages education as well, she enrolled in two courses at nearby Norwalk Community College. Her experience as an au pair was very positive, and the added exposure to college life made her see education differently. Surprised by how much she enjoyed her classes, the process of being able to choose classes, and having the convenience of a flexible schedule, she became intrigued with the idea of continuing her education and further exploring her interests.

In the fall 2017, she transferred to GCC to pursue an Associate in Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She attributed her initial interest in studying nutrition to growing up in a country known worldwide for its delicious food and the culture surrounding the meal. She was also seeking a degree program where she could help others.

As part of the program, Flaminia gained exposure to different facets of the nutrition field. During clinical rotations, she shadowed at Lord Chamberlain, a rehabilitation center and nursing home in Stratford. She also had the experience of educating the public about nutrition topics while giving presentations in the community and learned more about food service in the kitchen of a school lunch program in New Haven.

Professor Marcia Doran, M.S., R.D.N., program coordinator for the Nutrition and Dietetics Program, said that Flaminia brings a level of enthusiasm and curiosity to the classroom that is refreshing to see and she managed to earn a 4.0 grade-point-average during her time at GCC.

“In addition to her academic excellence, Flaminia is passionate about the field of nutrition and works well with her peers and clients in the field. I believe she will make a difference in many lives throughout her career,” Doran said.

Flaminia’s experience at GCC prompted her continued interest in nutrition, particularly the impact of food on cardiovascular health. She hopes one day to be able to help people who are coping with eating disorders. She follows a vegan diet for ethical reasons and would like to continue her education at Southern Connecticut State University to study public health and eventually become a Registered Dietitian.