Current nursing student Mistinquette Williams (center) proudly pins her daughter, Gwen Johnson, at Mount Saint Mary College’s nurse pinning ceremony in May of this year.
The old song says to “teach your children well.” But less well remembered is the song’s second verse: “teach your parents well.”
Fifty-five years after that recording was released, Mount Saint Mary College student Mistinquette Williams and her daughter, alumna Gwen Johnson ’25, have become the embodiment of that powerful dynamic.
Williams, a medical assistant for more than two decades, has spent months charting a new professional course through the accelerated adult nursing program at the Mount. The move was inspired by the success of none other than her daughter, who started the program a year earlier.
For a long time, the mother-daughter duo found themselves side-by-side on campus, tackling the same challenges. Johnson graduated and earned her Registered Nurse (RN) license in 2025, a full year before her mother, who is on track to graduate in May 2026.
After years of guiding her daughter growing up, the role reversal is a fun change of pace, noted Williams.
“I’m proud to be following in her footsteps,” she explained. “It’s such a proud mommy moment…I was so proud because when I would meet someone that had Gwen as a student, it was like going to one of her teacher conferences. They were like, ‘Oh my God, your daughter is such a pleasure to have in class.’”
Williams had worked for years alongside Mount-educated nurses and admired them for their dedication and knowledge, but she was hesitant to return to school as a working adult. That is, until Johnson convinced her that the program was a perfect fit.
“Everything she said about the Mount was true,” Williams noted. “From the faculty to the staff in the bookstore, anywhere I go, I fit in perfectly and I have great professors helping me to succeed.”
One of those great professors is Janet Petroski, associate professor of Chemistry. Williams explained that Petroski gave her the confidence to succeed after many years away from the subject. Meanwhile, Lynette DeBellis, associate Professor of Nursing and chair of the School of Nursing, makes learning “a joy” for the adult student.
“Let me tell you, I love coming to school,” Williams explained. “From start to finish, it’s been a great experience. It makes it easier when you enjoy what you’re doing.”
With her advanced knowledge of the program, Johnson has become half academic advisor, half cheerleader for her mom.
“When she was having an unsure moment, I was reassuring her that I know she did well,” explained Williams. “And when I’m unsure, she's like, ‘No, Mom, you’re on the right track. Everything’s going to be fine. You’re smart enough. You can do this.’”
Williams, who pinned Johnson at her nurse pinning ceremony, now looks forward to the ultimate full-circle moment: having her daughter, the professional nurse, pin her at her own ceremony in 2026.
The feeling is mutual. When Johnson was pinned, she was full of gratitude for her family and her professors.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to graduate from nursing school,” Johnson said. “It’s been a challenging journey, but one I’m so proud of. I want to thank all the staff and professors at Mount Saint Mary College for always being there to support and guide me, even when things got overwhelming. I’m also super grateful for my family and friends who kept pushing me and believed in me every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
The drive for healthcare and professional excellence runs deep in the Williams household. In addition to Johnson, Williams has two other daughters pursuing higher education, expanding the family’s legacy in compassionate fields: Ronique is currently in a nursing program at SUNY Orange, and her youngest daughter, Arianna, is attending Penn State, preparing for a career in law.