Meet Laci.

Why do you want to become a nurse?

I have always enjoyed learning about the medical field and knew I wanted to do something in medicine. My younger brother faced some health challenges in his early years, so I spent some time in hospitals with him, and there were also several children in my community who faced battles with leukemia within a period of 6 years. One thing that all of these cases had in common was the stories of the healthcare workers who made their visits to the hospital less frightening. I always knew that, regardless of the field I entered, I wanted to be one of those people who made patients feel more at ease while in the hospital.

Why did you want to become an ambassador?

I wanted to become an ambassador because I genuinely love nursing school. I love talking about our program and how it has helped to shape me into the person I am. 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.

What would you like prospective nursing students to know about the WVU School of Nursing?

One of the things that I would tell prospective nursing students about the WVU SON is how it sets you up for success. Not only do we have state-of-the-art simulation labs, but we also have faculty who truly care about your success in the program. Our program has a great mix of hands-on and classroom experiences that help you grow as a student and a future RN. You’re gaining confidence and developing critical thinking skills with every class and clinical experience. The program can be challenging, but I truly believe that it helps you become the best version of yourself, both academically and professionally.

What’s your best advice for high schoolers interested in nursing?

Enjoy high school!! Nursing school applications can seem very daunting at times, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Take time to explore different hobbies and hang out with your friends. Nursing school will come soon enough.