When Chelsea Michaud first enrolled in Goodwin back in 2019, she had no idea the journey that would await her. After becoming paralyzed during her first semester, she switched to taking classes fully online while remaining in the ICU.
She faced medical challenges that would ultimately test anyone’s limits. But rather than halting her education, she continued moving forward. She attended classes and completed assignments from her hospital bed, focused on forging an empowering and inspiring future in healthcare. Where others would have paused, Chelsea persevered.
Balancing classwork in the hospital
What initially drove Chelsea to Goodwin was its flexibility and freedom — qualities that would shine through during her own time in the hospital. Her professors worked with her when she needed flexibility. The University’s focus on real-world understanding, compassion, and encouragement gave her the space to keep pursuing her goals even during the hardest moments.
Chelsea remained fully immersed in her classes, despite facing many challenges. She attended classes on Zoom, her classmates getting an in-depth glimpse of her experiences as a patient, to which Chelsea says — “I’m just preparing you guys for the future [in healthcare].”
Her commitment to learning wasn’t just about grades. For Chelsea, it was a reminder of who she was and who she wanted to become. School gave her a sense of normalcy in a moment when everything else felt uncertain.
Despite discouragement from others who believed her condition would limit her as a nurse, she remains steadfast and determined to pursue a career in nursing; in order to help others the way nurses helped her.
“I want to inspire others to follow their dreams,” Chelsea states. “I didn’t give up. Especially with what I just went through the last ten months. I could really relate to my patients, right?”
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Life on campus in a wheelchair
Another challenge Chelsea faced was adapting to mobility changes. While using a wheelchair, she discovered both physical and emotional obstacles that came with navigating campus and daily life.
For Chelsea, accessibility wasn’t just a bonus — it was a necessity. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a chronic condition that causes her to fall often, she knew she would need accommodation to succeed in college. “The other thing I liked is the accessibility office,” Chelsea explained. “I have a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and with that I fall often. I was able to have those accommodations.”
Now, as she navigates campus in a wheelchair, Chelsea sees just how much thought Goodwin has put into making education accessible for every student. “Now, being in a wheelchair, I’m noticing how much this accessibility office does,” she said.
From her very first visit, Chelsea noticed how intentional Goodwin’s design was. “The main campus at One Riverside is one of the most accessible buildings on campus,” she shared. “There are so many handicapped spots, and they’re scattered throughout — employee lot, student parking, visitor parking. It’s all paved, and there’s signage that clearly shows the accessible entrance. That was one of the first things I noticed when I came for orientation.”
Beyond the parking lots and signage, Goodwin’s buildings make everyday student life easier for those with mobility challenges. Chelsea has a key fob that automatically opens doors, and once inside, the hallways and entryways are wide enough for a wheelchair. “There are power buttons, accessible bathrooms — which is really important because that’s hard to come by — everything has to have enough turn radius in a wheelchair,” Chelsea said. “Even the little details, like sinks you can roll under, and soap dispensers placed at a reachable height, make a huge difference.”
A community that supports you
Chelsea’s journey shows that perseverance isn’t about avoiding obstacles — it’s about facing them head-on. With resilience, determination, and the support of her Goodwin community, she continues moving toward her dream of becoming a nurse, proving that no challenge is too great when you refuse to give up.
Ready to take the next step toward your future? At Goodwin, you’ll find a community that supports you every step of the way. Apply today and take the first step forward.
Grace Kuraska is a marketing content writer at Goodwin University where she combines her passion for creativity and storytelling to craft engaging content that resonates with readers. She graduated from University of Connecticut, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Sociology. Grace brings years of experience in writing, editing, and proofreading to craft compelling narratives that connect with audiences and inspire action.