The journey of a Manchester student studying respiratory therapy is highlighted in an episode of “The College Tour,” a series that takes an intimate look at college campuses around the world.
Jessica Pratt and several other students were invited to be part of the filming of the hour-long episode last year. The Manchester episode is one of 12 made to focus on each college making up CT State Community College.
A viewing party for the Manchester episode was held on Feb. 26 in the Great Path Academy Community Commons. More than 30 students, faculty and staff enjoyed popcorn while viewing the episode, including Pratt and her son. Michelle Nickerson, director of student activities, planned the showing.
“Any opportunity to showcase our students always means everything to me,” she said.
The episode began with “The College Tour” host Alex Boylan, who was part of a winning team on the CBS show “The Amazing Race,” introducing each of the students represented. “The College Tour” is a show that creates an hour-long episode that highlights various students as they tell their story and tour their campuses. It’s a way to get a feel for what each college has to offer.
Pratt explained how her father getting sick motivated her to go into respiratory therapy. She said Manchester, with its state-of-the-art labs, is perfect for hands on learning. She helped to develop the episode’s script and scouted the best locations on campus. Taking the lead was difficult work, but she said she loved every moment of it and would do it again.
In addition to Pratt, several other students and members of the campus staff, including Geeta Khade of the library, were seen in the background of the episode.
After the showing, Nicholas Roulea, an undeclared General Studies major, said he liked the way the episode captured the spirit of the student body.
Likewise, Olivia Henry, the Student Government Association Campus Activities Board chair, said she loved seeing all the different campuses in the CT State episodes.
The Manchester episode was posted on the YouTube channel “The College Tour.” To watch it for yourself, click https://www.youtube.com/@TheCollegeTourTV.
