Meet Melanie.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

It would always be nursing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, people always tell you to do what you love, and I love helping people. Nursing allows me to share brightness with individuals who need it the most, spread truth and knowledge when it is hard to find, provide for those who have none, and speak for those who can’t be heard. Even if I am not saving the world, nursing allows me to impact a person's life for the better, whether it is holding a patient's hand during tough times or saving their life. I didn’t choose nursing because I liked the job, it is a lifestyle I was called to do.

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

When I was in the third grade, I nuked water in the microwave and accidentally burned myself when taking it out. My mother and brother rushed me to the ER, and I was terrified because I had never been to the hospital before but I knew that is where people go when they are really sick. I was placed on a gurney in the middle of the unit, my mother was crying, and soon my entire family flooded the floor wreaking havoc. When the doctor came, he cut my favorite cheetah print pajama top off, said some scary words to my mom, and left. I was scared, I knew my family was scared, and I was left half naked in the middle of the ER with ruined pajamas.

Finally, the nurse came to my rescue. She took me into a private room, handled my family, and gave me a gown and a terrible steroid shot. She made me feel safe and that everything was going to be okay. Since that day I have never been scared of the hospital, if anything weirdly fascinated with it. Experiencing that nurse's kindness, and ability to heal, and change my perception at such a young age planted a seed for my future self.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

Originally, I was not planning on continuing my nursing education at WVU. I had already graduated with my undergrad at WVU, I was ready to return home and attend a university where most of my relatives achieved their nursing degree. Once I left that school's orientation, I was filled with thoughts of “How was I going to do this?” or “What if I can't handle this?”

WVU was different. Once I left the tour of our little hallway, I felt empowered. I felt like I could succeed here, and that the faculty was going to stand behind me and root for my success and they did! When people talk about nursing school, it is not positive at all. People will tell you that it’s the hardest thing you will ever go through, that programs are cutthroat, and that you are easily disposable, but not at WVU. I have never felt more empowered in my educational career, and I have never performed better academically. WVU SON was one of the best decisions I have made yet.

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

There are too many to count. The lifelong friends I have made, the professors who have comforted me during hard times, and learning from all the nurses at UHC. My favorite times were connecting with my patients during clinicals. One moment that I will carry with me forever was listening to a patient tell me about their home situation. Towards the end they stated, “Thank you for listening to me. I don’t get to talk about this often. You have a certain brightness, and you will make a great nurse.” Even though I didn’t do much clinically that day, I felt how powerful it was to be a nurse at that moment and was so happy that I could be there for someone.

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

It is okay to be scared or unsure and to never stop questioning things because that is what will make you a safe nurse. As long as you seek learning opportunities, you will gain confidence along the way and be a better nurse for your patients.

What are your plans after graduation?

Right now, I am currently interviewing for RN positions in the ED, but I have not committed to anything so far. I wish to be heavily involved with my community and focus on being the best nurse I can possibly be.

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

Not only has WVU given me the knowledge to go forth in my career, but the faculty and UHC have gifted me the confidence in my abilities to be a safe and exceptional nurse.

Anything else you’d like to add.

It took a lot of work and dedication to be where I am today. There have been many times in my life when I was deterred from my dream of becoming a nurse and I have doubted myself. I want to thank my parents for supporting and standing by me because I would not be where I am without them. I want to thank all UHC and WVU faculty for seeing my potential and empowering me to be the best I can be. To all my classmates and forever friends, thank you is not enough. You have all been home away from home. I am proud to announce that my dreams of becoming a nurse are coming true today.