One Student’s Purrfect Path to Graduation

At Nipissing University, students often talk about finding their place. For Breanna Mills, a History student graduating this spring, that sense of belonging came from community, hands-on experience, and a small but constant presence by her side in the form of a feline.

Her name is April, an orange tabby cat with a keen sense of awareness. April isn’t just a companion to Mills; she’s a trained service animal who has been part of nearly every step of her university journey.

April came into her life years earlier, after Mills spent time volunteering at a local animal shelter and explored support options with her family. Moving away from home and the familiarity of having family nearby was a big shift. 

“It hit me when I realized I couldn’t just walk to my Nana’s house anymore,” Mills reflected.

That transition could have been overwhelming. Instead, it became manageable.

“It was nerve-wracking at first, but having April with me made all the difference. She helped me regulate and stay grounded, especially in those early days.”

Over time, what started as support became a partnership that shaped her entire student experience.

“I chose Nipissing because it felt like a true community,” she said. “The class sizes, the environment, the way faculty take time to get to know you, it was exactly what I was looking for.”

That decision set the tone for the following four years. Mills built strong relationships in the classroom and immersed herself in her studies. Outside of it, she found defining experiences through her involvement with Cam’s Kids, where she worked as an ambassador supporting other students. 

The role helped her build confidence and better understand how to create supportive, inclusive environments; skills she’ll carry with her as she heads into her next chapter in Nipissing’s Bachelor of Education program this fall.

And behind those experiences is a quieter layer to her story, one that shaped how she moved through university day-to-day, through the support of April.

During high-pressure moments, including one particular week filled with back-to-back assignments and a major presentation, April played a critical role. When stress began to build, she would step in, helping Mills reset and refocus.

Experiences like that are part of what Mills wishes more people understood about service animals in a university setting.

“Not all disabilities are visible, and not all the ways service animals help are obvious,” she explained. “They’re not just performing tasks, they’re helping people navigate environments that can be overwhelming.”

That perspective has influenced not only how she sees her own journey, but also the kind of educator she hopes to become.

Through her time at Nipissing, Mills has grown more confident, more independent, and more certain of her path. She’s built the skills to support others, advocate for inclusive spaces, and approach challenges with resilience.

And as she prepares to graduate, becoming the first in her family to earn a university degree, that growth feels tangible.

“It’s kind of mind-blowing,” she said. “It feels like I just got here.”

As she looks ahead to the Bachelor of Education and beyond, April will continue to be part of that journey, steady, familiar, and still very much at her side.

Media Contact:

Khia Beauchesne
Communications Officer,
Nipissing University
Phone: (705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca