Sean Mormino, a student at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), is set to graduate with a nursing degree on December 11 after overcoming significant personal and health challenges.
Mormino, 33, faced the loss of several family members during his studies. His father died on the first day of finals in his first semester. In the following semester, he lost both his great aunt and uncle within a month. The next semester brought the death of his grandmother.
“Every semester, there was grief,” Mormino said.
Between his third and fourth semesters, Mormino underwent brain surgery to address a venous malformation that had started causing symptoms. He returned to school just seven weeks after the operation for his final semester.
Despite these hardships, Mormino did not withdraw from his program or take any breaks.
“If I can do it,” he said, “anyone can.”
Mormino grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, with interests in science and music. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in educational leadership from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Before entering nursing, he worked in environmental education.
Nursing was always an option for him due to family influences—his mother is a registered nurse with experience in pediatrics and women’s health.
When considering nursing programs, CVTC stood out because of its location, class size, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordability. “The location was perfect, but honestly, the program spoke for itself,” Mormino said. “The cohort size, the hands-on learning, the price point – it all made sense. I realized I could finish the ADN, get experience, and then earn my BSN without taking on massive debt.”
Mormino identified labor and delivery as his area of interest early on. “I find the entire process of pregnancy and birth fascinating,” he said. “It’s one of the few areas of hospital care where things are often exciting and joyful. And when they aren’t, I know I’m built to support families through those moments too.”
He credits his mother as a major influence: “She’s the strongest person I know,” he said while becoming emotional. “Her stability and her work as a nurse kept our family going especially when my dad struggled to find his place. I wouldn’t be who I am without her.”
Mormino also acknowledged support from his partner: “My partner has been my rock,” he said. “I absolutely wouldn’t have made it without him.” He expressed gratitude toward his close-knit cohort and supportive instructors at CVTC.
Olivia Johnson, one of Mormino’s instructors at CVTC River Falls campus commented: “He not only strives to understand the content deeply but also brings others along with him encouraging and empowering his classmates every step of the way.”
Reflecting on two years at CVTC as graduation approaches on December 11th Mormino shared lessons learned about resilience compassion confidence and community: “It’s been hard yes But nursing is worth it,” he said.“And CVTC gave me everything I needed to become the nurse I want to be.”
After graduation Mormino hopes to continue working in labor and delivery Long-term goals include earning a master’s degree becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health and eventually teaching future nursing students
