Ayanna Gaston

Ayanna Gaston graduated from Middletown High School in Middletown, Delaware in 2022. She was first introduced to GMercyU through the volleyball recruiting journey when the then-head coach reached out to share more about the program and the opportunities at GMercyU.

What really drew me to GMercyU was the biology program and the professors. After meeting with them and having conversations, I could tell they genuinely cared about their students and are dedicated to helping them succeed in life.

Ayanna recalled her first campus visit to be a great experience, specifically admiring the beautiful, wooded areas and how close the buildings are to one another.

“Meeting with Dr. McEliece was a highlight – talking with her about my future and creating a plan made me feel confident that I’d be in good hands and set up for success at Gwynedd,” Ayanna said.

Campus Involvement

“My favorite part of being at GMercyU is the people I’ve met and the connections I’ve built. The community here is incredible, and the networking opportunities are amazing,” Ayanna shared. “I love being in an environment that allows me to learn, grow, and continue developing my character.”

On campus, Ayanna is a member of the Student Association of Science (SAS), serving as the Social Media Coordinator, and a member of the Black Student Union (BSU). She is also a member and captain of the GMercyU Women’s Volleyball team.

“As a captain of the volleyball team, I serve as the bridge between the players and the coach, ensuring open communication. I also take on the role of supporting and guiding my teammates, making sure they’re doing well both on and off the court, especially when the coach isn’t available,” Ayanna said.

Life as a Student-Athlete

Being a student-athlete is an amazing experience, but it comes with challenges. Balancing academics and volleyball has helped Ayanna develop strong time management skills, pushing her to stay organized and prioritize responsibilities. Since she sometimes has to miss class for games, it also strengthens communication skills by requiring her to stay in touch with professors and stay on top of assignments.

Beyond academics, being a student-athlete has taught me valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. It has given me a strong support system through my teammates and coaches, creating a sense of community that makes the college experience even more rewarding. The discipline and dedication required to succeed in both sports and school prepare me for future challenges, whether in my career or personal life. Despite the demands, I enjoy every moment of it and GMercyU does a great job of supporting its athletes, ensuring we have the resources and flexibility needed to thrive in both academics and athletics.

Volunteer Work

Outside of her life on campus, Ayanna is an involvement member of her community back home. Specifically, she’s a volunteer with Our Daily Bread, an organization dedicated to serving her community.
Each month, Ayanna, alongside more than 300 volunteers, helps to provide meals to more than 1,200 people, serve more than 3,600 meals, and distribute over 5,000 pounds of food.

Experience in the Biology Program

Initially wanting to become a veterinarian, Ayanna chose to study biology. However, after taking a few courses, she discovered her true passion and plans on becoming a physician assistant (PA) and attending PA school after graduation.

Ayanna describes her time in the biology program as “rewarding and beneficial,” gaining a strong foundation in the sciences from a curriculum that challenges her while providing her with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a healthcare professional.

“The hands-on lab experience and research opportunities have deepened my understanding of biological concepts and how they apply to real-world scenarios, especially in healthcare. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving has sharpened my analytical abilities, which will be invaluable as I pursue my goal of attending PA school,” Ayanna said. “Overall, the biology program has not only equipped me with the technical skills I need, but also helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the sciences and their role in improving human health.”

She’s also enjoyed listening to the passion that spills from her professors and appreciates how invested they are in student success.

One class that’s stood out so far is Microbiology taught by Dr. Stacey Lettini. While unsure of the class at first, Ayanna found Dr. Lettini’s teaching to be engaging, making the topics easier to understand.

“I’ve learned so much about bacteria, their structures, and how they interact with their environments, which I found fascinating,” Ayanna said. “The hands-on lab work, paired with in-depth lectures, helped me connect the theoretical knowledge to practical applications in medicine. Understanding microbiology has given me a greater appreciation for how microorganisms play a critical role in human health, both positively and negatively. It’s an area of study that I’m excited to continue exploring as I move forward in my PA journey.”

Internship Experience

In addition to the hands-on experience Ayanna has gained in the classroom, she put her knowledge to the test through an internship at Monroe Energy, a refinery in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Ayanna was primarily responsibility for assisting in the lab, helping to run instruments like HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and other analytical equipment to test the quality and composition of samples. She was also required to check the gas and oil products to ensure they were within proper specifications and hadn’t expired.

This experience gave me a deeper understanding of laboratory procedures and industrial processes, as well as the importance and precision and attention to detail in maintaining safety and quality standards. It also helped me improve my problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, which is valuable in any career, particularly in healthcare.

Outside of working in the lab, Ayanna was responsible for ensuring lab paperwork was accurate and up-to-date by following a strict set of protocols for documentation and compliance.

“My biggest takeaway was gaining a clear understanding of what a lab-based work environment is really like. It gave me valuable experience and helped me determine if working in a lab would be something I’d enjoy long-term,” Ayanna shared. “While I found the work interesting and didn’t mind the lab setting, I realized I prefer roles where I can interact more directly with people rather than working behind the scenes in a lab. This experience also taught me the importance of work-life balance, something I now know I want to prioritize in my future career. It helped me reflect on what kind of professional environment will bring me both personal fulfillment and a healthy balance between work and life outside of it.”

Life After Graduation

Ayanna’s goal after graduation is to attend PA school. To ensure she is fully prepared for the rigorous demand, she plans to take a gap year to focus on gaining more hands-on experience in healthcare to enhance her clinical skills and continue to strengthen her knowledge base. Taking a year off will also allow Ayanna to reflect on her career goals to make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that she’s fully ready to succeed in the next step of her educational journey.

“I am passionate abut working in healthcare, where I can combine my love for science with my desire to help people. I want to work directly with patients, diagnose and treat them, and make a meaningful impact on their health and well-being,” Ayanna said. “Additionally, I am to continue developing my skills in a clinical setting, gaining more hands-on experience and knowledge to excel in the field. Ultimately, I want to find a career that challenges me intellectually, allows me to work closely with others, and provides a work-life balance I value.”