Psychology Graduate Turns Early Life Challenges Into Career Serving Children

Psychology Graduate Turns Early Life Challenges Into Career Serving Children

Alison Mitchell grew up knowing The University of Toledo Medical Center well as the place her mother went to work every day.

For nearly 25 years, Diana Mitchell-Pruss was a nurse at UTMC, working in rehab nursing, endoscopy and eventually the cardiac catheterization lab. That history gave her daughter, Alison, an affinity for the institution before she ever set foot on UToledo's campus as a student.

But before her college journey could begin, Mitchell faced a significant obstacle: an unplanned pregnancy.

Mitchell had her daughter, Sophia, at 17. Following high school, she tried community college and worked a few jobs to make ends meet before landing at a familiar place - The University of Toledo's Health Science Campus - working as a clerical specialist at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry office.

Once working on campus, Mitchell decided the time was right to pursue her college dreams.

"The University of Toledo was my number one option," Mitchell said. "By this time, I felt like it was already a big part of my life and I wanted that part to be even bigger."

She began pursuing a degree in information technology, drawn by a knack for helping nurses troubleshoot computers at her job in the Kobacker Center. But seeing the work her colleagues were doing with children in need changed her perspective on her future career.

"My time at the Kobacker Child and Adolescent unit at UTMC showed me that I was passionate about mental health and that I enjoyed being a part of what helps to get kids to feel better," Mitchell said.

After just one semester, she changed her major to psychology.

"UToledo gave me a new direction to pursue and showed me what I was put into this world to do."

Finishing a college degree is challenging enough, but Mitchell was doing it as a single mother, working full time while completing most of her coursework online. The moment it all crystallized for her came when she made it to campus in person.

"When I finally had the opportunity to attend in-person classes on campus, and I got to experience the community of UToledo and walk in the beautiful courtyard, I knew I was where I belonged," she said.

Mitchell acknowledges there were times when she felt like giving up, but it was Sophia who kept her going.

"I wanted to be a good influence on her and show her that anything is possible if you put in your best effort," she said. "I would think about how proud she may be one day that her mom worked so hard to give her a good life, despite all the odds stacked against it."

Mitchell's time at Kobacker also deepened her understanding of how she wants to give back. Working alongside children navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders and other challenges, Mitchell found a specific purpose taking shape.

"After seeing the variations of what kids are going through, that made me want to be a part of what can help them and make them feel better," she said. "Which is why I decided I wanted to work in schools, where I think early intervention can take place, leading me to the school counseling path."

On campus, Mitchell said Dr. Friederike Emonds, an associate professor of German, made her feel at home during her first semester, offering extra candy for Sophia during the holidays and personally inviting Mitchell to bring her daughter to a departmental cultural foods event.

"Alison brought a warm and thoughtful presence to the classroom, and it was clear that she was deeply motivated to build something meaningful for her future," Emonds said. "Supporting her felt natural because she showed such dedication and sincerity in her work."

According to the National Library of Medicine, only 2% of teen mothers earn a bachelor's degree before age 30. Mitchell is graduating cum laude.

After graduation, Mitchell will enroll in Miami University's online Master of School Counseling program, carrying forward a philosophy shaped by everything she's lived through.

"Alison is exactly the kind of student who reminds us why teaching matters, because of her determination, her growth and the sincerity that defined her work," Emonds said. "Her acceptance into graduate school at Miami University is a wonderful reflection of her success. I am incredibly proud of her and wish her all the best in this next chapter."

As she prepares to embark on that next chapter, Mitchell credits her undergraduate experience with providing the foundation she needed to succeed.

"UToledo helped me realize that my circumstances do not define my future," she said. "I had to learn resilience before attending college, but UToledo gave me the education and confidence to turn my resilience into purpose."

Mitchell said her advice to incoming students carries the same weight: "Real resilience and perseverance can help you get to your goal if you apply yourself and do not allow your circumstances to define you."