Top

Third-generation sailor discovers career path through CCRI's nursing program

Wyatt PolasekJan. 8, 2020

Fate has brought Brandee Trotter down many different roads in life, some more winding than others.

From snow-covered mountains in Utah and military bases in Japan to the cozy confines of CCRI’s Newport County Campus, the 24-year-old first-generation college student is pursuing her passion to become a neonatal nurse, a dream she’s had since witnessing the birth of her youngest niece.

Her journey began in the small town of Roy, roughly 30 miles north of Salt Lake City, the youngest of four children in her family and the daughter and granddaughter of former hospital corpsmen.

Though Trotter never envisioned herself as the military type, she decided after high school she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, but the wait list for boot camp to become a hospital corpsman was too long. Rather than take time off and risk losing interest, she signed up to become an Interior Communications Electrician in May of 2013 less than a week after graduating.

Four months later, Trotter entered basic training. Her initial plan was to serve for four years – “a stepping stone,” as she put it – but joining the Navy opened many doors. While developing new relationships and exploring paths she never knew existed in high school, she spent the next six years fixing and repairing her ship’s communications equipment, everything from telephones and monitors to alarm systems and routers. The journey brought her all over the world, including the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Washington, and Japan.

“The military forced me out of my shell. Not only do I not recognize myself now, I don’t think I knew who I was before,” Trotter.

“I truly found myself in the Navy.”

She found love, too. While stationed in Japan, Trotter met her soon-to-be wife, Jay, a sailor from Gautier, MS. The two hit it off instantly and married in Virginia Beach this past December.

Fate continued to play a role in Trotter’s journey, even after her honorable discharge in July. When her wife was assigned to shore duty at Naval Station Newport, the two relocated to Middletown, where Trotter discovered CCRI and its nursing program while researching potential colleges.

With a campus conveniently located near her new home, jumpstarting her career as a neonatal nurse at CCRI made perfect sense. The college’s “veteran-friendly” staff helped her maximize the benefits of her GI Bill® and offered guidance as Trotter reacclimated to the civilian lifestyle six years removed from the classroom.

“While I was still in the military, I kept saying I wanted to be a nurse, but it didn’t always seem within reach,” Trotter said. “Now it does.”

Fate brought her this far. The rest is up to her. Motivated to pursue her dream job, Trotter has found her path to success at CCRI and will apply to the nursing program in February. Her journey, like the view on the open seas, is nothing short of amazing.

“My goal is achievable,” she said. “I’m glad I joined the Navy and I’m glad I took the time I needed to make sure I was ready to pursue my career. My school work has all my focus and CCRI has helped make the transition seamless. I’m grateful for this opportunity. 

Share this story

Latest News

CCRI Players' Summer Rep Returns With Adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Comedy of Errors'

CCRI Players' Summer Rep Returns With Adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Comedy of Errors'

July 18, 2025

The Community College of Rhode Island Players’ 2025 Summer Rep is just around the corner. The annual theater season begins Thursday, July 31 with CCRI Players’ adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”, which will be directed by Karen Carpenter and run through Sunday, Aug. 3. The performance, rehearsals for which began this week, is the first of a two-part series that will conclude with a four-day run of Shakespeare’s “Richard III” premiering Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Read More

CCRI Alumni Association Elects Announces New President and Officers

CCRI Alumni Association Elects Announces New President and Officers

July 17, 2025

The Community College of Rhode Island Alumni Association has elected a new President. Cumberland native Malida Khim, a 2019 CCRI graduate and Impact Coordinator for Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy at CVS Health, will replace Jeffrey Wright Jr., a Woonsocket resident who has held the role since 2023.

Read More

CCRI Welcomes Chef Kenneth Watt To Lead New Culinary Arts Program at Newport Campus

CCRI Welcomes Chef Kenneth Watt To Lead New Culinary Arts Program at Newport Campus

July 15, 2025

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces the hiring of Chef Kenneth Watt, CEC, MBA, as Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts. Chef Watt will lead the college’s all-new Culinary Arts program, which is unique to CCRI’s Newport County Campus.

Read More

Upcoming Events
Jun.
1

Patient Support Specialist - July 28, 2025 Cohort

June 1, 2025 8:00 AM - July 29, 2025 3:30 PM

Woonsocket Education Center (WOC)

Jun.
2

Introduction to Table Games - July 28, 2025 Cohort

June 2, 2025 All Day

Flanagan Campus