Meet Our Morgantown Ambassadors

Bella Bock, of Fairmont, wanted to become a School of Nursing Ambassador because it gives her the opportunity to showcase how rewarding it is to be a part of the nursing family at WVU, while also sharing her own experiences to support and guide others.

"I chose to become a nurse because I have always wanted to help and advocate for those who cannot help themselves," Bock said. "Through nursing, I am fulfilling that dream and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others."

She encourages high school students interested in nursing to attend a Discover Day at WVU to learn more about the nursing program and ask questions.

Autumn Hurst, of Grove City, Pennsylvania, already serves as a Tour Leader through the WVU Visitors Center, so she was glad to accept the School of Nursing ambassador position when the opportunity arose.

"The School of Nursing is a community, a family, and a place that can feel so intimate and accepting," Hurst said. "My second day on campus, I met other girls who had the same dreams as I did, and they are still my best friends today. To have a community like that is rare, and I think it is so important to emphasize that aspect of the WVU School of Nursing."

She want to become a nurse because it's a career built on the basis of serving others. For high schoolers interested in nursing, her best advice is to find your passion for why you want to become a nurse — "It keeps you driven and makes the goal achievable!"

Gracie Minney, of Charleston, West Virginia, says nursing is more than just a career for her.

"It can be challenging in many ways, but it is so rewarding," Minney said. "The WVU School of Nursing creates an environment that is built for success, and it is a place where I feel sure in my decision to become a nurse and serve my community."

Becoming an ambassador was important for her, so she could help other students feel welcomed and comfortable in their decision to come to WVU.

Laci Sears, of Hinton, West Virginia, wanted to become an ambassador because of her love of nursing school.

"I love talking about our program and how it has helped to shape me into the person I am," Sears said. "You hear a lot of negative things about nursing school on social media, and I wanted to be a positive voice for future students to let them know that while it is challenging, it is so rewarding."

Ryan Alisauckas, of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, said he wanted to become a nurse because, "I love making a person’s day better, especially when they are going through something rough." His interest in science and anatomy solidified his decision.

He said he wanted to become an ambassador to make sure prospective students get a great understanding of the WVU School of Nursing and what it takes to be a nursing student.

Ashely Hansen, of Chicago, said she had many questions before getting admitted into the program, so she wanted to be able to help students in the same situation.

"My best advice for high school students interested in nursing is to build your time management skills," Hansen said. "Through using planners, calendars, and making a study schedule, you are able to stay on top of your assignments early. This skill is very beneficial in nursing school because it allows you to balance the school workload and recreational activities."