A Driven Student Pursuing a Future in Psychiatry: Nolyn Smith

Nolyn Smith made the most of his college journey at Tidewater Community College (TCC), where he is set to graduate with an Associate of Science degree in Psychology on Monday. With plans to transfer to a four-year institution, Nolyn is focused, determined, and passionate about understanding people and helping others.

A 2024 graduate of Manor High School in Portsmouth, Nolyn began taking college courses at TCC during his senior year through the dual enrollment program. He took 14 college credits as part of the program, which combined on-site high school instruction with in-person classes at TCC’s Portsmouth campus. This early exposure to college-level coursework laid a strong foundation for his academic future.

Nolyn’s journey continued after high school graduation, as he made the decision to continue his education at TCC. He weighed the options of attending larger universities; however, a scholarship from TCC played a role in his choice,

“I chose TCC because coming out of high school, I didn’t have a lot of scholarship offers for bigger name colleges. But I got blessed to receive a scholarship from TCC, so I took that and did my time here.”

Eager to get ahead, Nolyn took classes during the summer of 2024 through the college’s “Learn. Explore. Accelerate. Persevere.” (LEAP) program where he took 12 credits that will transfer to a four-year institution.

Throughout his time at TCC, Nolyn made a lasting impact on campus. He served as a student ambassador, helping new and prospective students feel welcomed and informed.

“As a student ambassador, I help with a lot around campus. We try to get more people educated about events and help at the desk enrolling students,” he shared.

In recognition of his academic excellence and leadership, Nolyn was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He is super grateful for the unwavering support of his family, professors, and friends, especially his mother,

“My mom has a medical background as well. She encourages and pushes me to do everything that I need to do. She started at an early age and then came back to it. She’s been really pushing me to get it done early instead of trying to wait till later in life to do it.”

In addition to his full class load and campus involvement, Nolyn works part-time in retail. When he does find time to relax, he enjoys playing and watching sports—particularly baseball, a sport he has loved since childhood.

Now, Nolyn faces an exciting decision about his next steps. He is currently deciding between Old Dominion University and the University of Alabama to continue his education. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a Pre-Med track and eventually attend medical school to become a psychiatrist.

With commencement on the horizon, Nolyn looks ahead with optimism, ready to embrace the future and all the opportunities that lie ahead.

Making a difference for students at home and in the nation

Psychology Professor Andrea Palmisano has been teaching at TCC since 2010. When she is not in the classroom, Palmisano serves as a general and family mediator with the Supreme Court of Virginia.

She also has her own mediation business. In May, Palmisano will help the Tangipahoa Parish School System which is under a desegregation order by the U.S. Eastern District Court of Louisiana.

Palmisano has created an eight-hour peer mediation program for high school students. The goal is to provide students with the opportunity to become proficient in conflict resolution skills.

“We hope to reduce the number of fights and create harmony in the school,” she said. “It’s about helping students develop leadership skills and motivating them to succeed.”

During mediation at the parish school, Palmisano will present students with concrete steps to resolve conflicts. By working with a team on-site, she will help them find solutions for their problems. The final step will be to draft a binding document for those who are working to resolve a specific conflict.

“I’ve implemented a similar program at Granby High School and saw the number of fights decrease pretty dramatically,” she added. “We know this approach works, but it requires the adults there to believe in the program and then nurture it.”

Palmisano will provide the training and then stay connected as the program unfolds. “When developing a new culture, one of conflict resolution, you have to stay in close contact and be there for the students, parents and staff,” she said. “That’s what I’ve signed up to do.”

Professor Palmisano with TCC student Cecilia Cruz.

A beloved faculty member, Palmisano gets top marks – a 5 out of 5 – on ratemyprofessors.com. In addition, 100% of her students would take her classes again.

“I care about my students’ education and their personal well-being,” Palmisano said. “I learn every student’s name and I listen. They know my classroom is a judgment-free zone so they can talk and share freely.”

A native of Brazil, Palmisano came to the United States when she was in high school because of her father’s job. “I spent my high school years in three different countries. I know what it feels like not to belong and that shaped my interest in helping people,” she said.

Palmisano is the faculty advisor of the TCC student psychology club, Psi-Chi-Phi, which meets every other week. To learn more, check them out on Instagram @tcc_psichiphi.

Palmisano holds a Ph.D. in psychology, a master’s in clinical psychology and has professional experience working as a therapist for children with emotional and behavioral issues. She has also been the director of children’s programs for a non-profit mediation organization.

In her free time, Palmisano enjoys Salsa dancing and outdoor activities with her husband, Dr. David Palmisano. The couple has two sons, Tiago, 27, and Matias, 24. Both sons are in medical school. Tiago and his wife Raygan recently welcomed Lucas James, the family’s first grandchild.