When Nursing Professor Emily Mercuri introduces herself to students at the start of a new semester, she can’t help but smile. That’s because, for Emily, it’s personal.
Years before Emily started mentoring nursing graduates through their careers; years before she became a professor at MiraCosta College; Emily was walking in the same shoes as her students.
“It’s a blessing to be able to share my experience with students who are just starting their paths in the healthcare field,” shared Emily. “Especially because much of my journey was influenced by the incredible professors I had while at MiraCosta College.”
Years ago, Emily was a new student on MiraCosta College’s campus after choosing to change course in higher education. As an honors student at Vista High School, Emily first tried her hand at a four-university but personal challenges marred her freshman year and a series of setbacks led her to take a break from her studies.
Reflecting on that time, Emily shared, “I decided I wanted more for my life. Things just didn’t feel right at university.”
Instead, Emily returned home to Oceanside and enrolled at MiraCosta College. Initially, she simply wanted to complete her basic requirements for a degree in child development. However, her plans grew after just a few months on campus and it didn’t take long for her initial goal to turn into a much larger dream.
“I felt so supported at MiraCosta College,” said Emily. “I loved the supportive learning environment and I knew that one day I wanted to be part of that.”
Emily was struck by the unique teaching approach at MiraCosta College. Unlike many of the large, impersonal lectures that Emily witnessed while at university, MiraCosta's professors engaged students in meaningful dialogue, treating the entire class as adults with valuable perspectives.
"There wasn’t this power dynamic; the professors encouraged us to have a voice and use it," emphasized Emily when speaking about the transformative nature of MiraCosta College. “The best way to describe it is that MiraCosta College put the community in community college.”
Motivated by what she witnessed from her professors, Emily became a tutor herself. While teaching was a new world for her, she relished the opportunity to be part of the nurturing environment on campus. And that’s when something clicked.
Emily had always known she liked working with kids but it wasn’t until her experiences at MiraCosta College that she realized this was what she was meant to do. Upon graduation, Emily made a commitment to herself that she would return to MiraCosta College to teach the next generation of students.
Fast forward a handful of years and Emily saw her dream turn to reality. Today, as a Nursing Professor and Emergency Department Nursing Supervisor, Emily is on a mission to cultivate "super nursing professionals" who are not only skilled but also empathetic and inclusive. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in transformative leadership and education, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and community impact.
"My style of teaching is transformative leadership and transformative education. It really starts with my core belief that everyone wants to feel seen," Emily said.
Emily works with students to explore their unique strengths and how they can apply them in healthcare settings. Her classes go beyond standard nursing education – they delve into the social and emotional dimensions of healthcare. Emily challenges her students to consider why certain communities experience poorer health outcomes and encourages them to reflect on their own experiences and how those influence the way they approach the work.
It’s not just within the classroom setting either. Even after students have left her class and graduated, Emily makes sure that students know they can come to her with questions or support. Still to this day, she mentors former students as they navigate their early careers in the nursing field.
“I am blessed to see students and tell them they are strong and they will succeed,” shared Emily. “I have seen my experience at MiraCosta College come full circle and it’s humbling to have that same impact for students chasing their own dreams.”
From student to professor, Emily is proud to bring her story and passion for nursing back to where it all began. Her work at MiraCosta College is not just about teaching; it’s about creating opportunities for future students to find their own paths and become the "super nursing professionals" the world needs.