Meet Marissa.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

It sounds very stereotypical, but I chose to become a nurse because I love helping people. I believe there is something so beautiful about helping those who need our help in their most vulnerable times. There’s no better way to provide that than by becoming a nurse.

Did you have an ah-ha moment about wanting to become a nurse?

I don’t have an ‘ah-ha’ moment, so much as a collection of moments in which I realized nursing was exactly where I wanted to be.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? 

I’ve been a Mountaineer since the day I was born and will be one until the day that I die, so there was never any other option on where I wanted to go to school. Having a four-year program in my backyard is so beneficial, as it allows me to stay at home and spend time with my family, while also obtaining my degree.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

I could share an entire novel on the positive experiences that I’ve had while at the SON, but it all comes back to the friends that I’ve met along the way. There’s nobody who understands the successes and struggles of nursing school quite like the ones that are going through it with you and I was blessed to find the best to walk with me on this journey.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

I would love to go back in time and tell my future self to soak in every moment (because it flies by so incredibly fast), to take lots of pictures, and to trust that God will work all things out exactly as they are meant to. Worrying isn’t going to change the future, it’s just going to take away the joys of the present.

What are your plans after graduation?

I accepted a job at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital and absolutely cannot wait to start!

How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?

WVU challenged me to become the best nurse that I could be while also preparing me to become as successful as possible outside of my career. There’s no place that I would rather obtain my degree.