Why do you want to become a nurse?
I want to be a nurse because of my Grandma. My Grandma was not a nurse, but in my eyes, and to my family, she was. Growing up, I watched her care for different family members who were very sick and had complex medical conditions that I did not understand at the time. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized how special of a person it takes to step into that role and care for someone during some of their most difficult moments. I have so much respect for my Grandma and the way she cared for my family, and I want to be able to provide that same compassion and care to others as a nurse.
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
I wanted to become an ambassador because I know how important it is to find a program that you truly enjoy. I wanted the opportunity to share my experience and provide prospective students with insight into our program, especially those who may be unsure about what they want to pursue in the future, because I was once in their shoes and understand how difficult that decision can be. Using my own experience to help guide prospective students and help them feel more confident in making that decision is really important to me.
What would you like prospective nursing students to know about the WVU School of Nursing?
I would like prospective nursing students to know that the WVU School of Nursing is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Each semester brings new challenges, but looking back and seeing how much you have grown, what you have overcome, and how you have strengthened your skills to prepare yourself as a future nurse makes it all worth it. I would also like prospective students to know that WVU SON provides so many opportunities and resources to help students succeed. We are also fortunate to have an amazing hospital only steps away, which provides us with valuable opportunities to learn and gain experience throughout the program.
What’s your best advice for high schoolers interested in nursing?
My best advice is to develop strong study habits and really prioritize doing well in your prerequisite classes, because having a strong academic foundation is so important. Building these study habits early will make the transition into nursing school much easier. I would also encourage prospective students to talk to as many current nursing students as possible to gain insight into what nursing school is really like and what to expect!
Anything else you’d like to add?
This program is very special to me, and I’m proud to be a part of it and surrounded by so many intelligent and driven people. I feel very fortunate to have access to so many great facilities, resources, and opportunities that enhance my learning. Whether it’s practicing in our STEPS lab, listening to the healthcare team during rounds at the hospital, working directly with nurses and clinical instructors, or learning from our professors, there are always opportunities to grow and I’m very grate