Meet Sabra.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

When I was in high school, I took medical assistant classes and loved them. When I came to school, I wanted to be a doctor. I shadowed a doctor and wanted to study biology, but I did not enjoy it. I realized nurses have patient interaction and I really wanted that. There are so many options within nursing — I knew that I could make this choice and enjoy it for the rest of my life.

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

My grandfather went blind a couple years ago. He's been a farmer for his entire life and never let others help him, but he would let me do things for him. I would sit with him, feed him, and talk to him. Being in the nursing home, I realized I could take care of people and it would make me happy to do that.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

I was already going to WVU, and when I decided I wanted to switch majors, someone told me you need to talk to a nursing advisor. I talked to my advisor and my grades were good, but not quite good enough for the Morgantown Campus. He explained that I would have to work really hard that semester. It did not feel like he was setting me up to fail. Professors want you to succeed, to do your best, but they are honest about how hard it is, but how it is worth it.

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

My clinical experiences have all been fantastic. My pediatric rotation was probably my favorite. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with the kids. You spend a lot of time with them and develop relationships. Also, the professors were willing to meet with me at 8 a.m. or 7 p.m. to explain a topic that I did not understand. I am really lucky to have landed where I did. When decided to come to the Beckley Campus, I just felt like it was right.

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

When the professors say not to stress, they are actually right. If you spend all your time stressed out about one exam, you might miss out on opportunities to learn other things. Also, whether you are stressed out or not, you still need to study.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I will come back to Preston County to work in Morgantown to get experience. Then I would like to do travel nursing for a while and then go back to school to get my NP degree. I think WVU SON is individualized in the sense that we learn holistic care instead of just traditional care. I talked to my friend who went to another school and they did not have the same experience. We get to think about the mind, body and spirit — learning that approach makes me want to learn more, to shift from treatment to prevention.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I talk to my family a lot, they are very spiritual. I also enjoy going outside, even if it is just taking ten minutes to be outside, it resets your entire day.

Why would you recommend WVU SON to someone?

I love learning that holistic approach. I feel confident in everything that I learn and that it will be in the patient’s best interest. The instructors stay so up-to-date on how to do everything. 

I also enjoy how close knit it is, especially here in Beckley. Everyone was so welcoming in the program; they really care about you.

Anything else you’d like to add.

I feel like nursing school can be a second chance for a lot of people. People should not be discouraged because it is a four-year traditional program — don't be intimidated to come back. I have classmates who are married with kids and they're doing awesome.