What made you want to go into healthcare?
“I was never the type of person who knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. When it came time to apply to college, I applied to many universities with various majors of interest. I was somewhat confident I wanted health care, but was not quite sure what specific area. After some thought, I realized the
diversity within the nursing field specialty gave me freedom within a four-year degree while paving the way for further education if I desired. I wanted the option to be done with higher education at the 4 year mark (Bachelor’s Degree), but also wanted to be able to further my studies into something more, but only if I desired it at that season of life.”
What makes you excited about working in healthcare?
There are so many facets of nursing, my favorites being science, medicine, customer service, and mostly, the art of nursing. Bioethics—especially patient autonomy— falls to the forefront of my heart and
mind. I do my best to prioritize the principles of bioethics while also providing comforting
nursing care. I love empowering patients to achieve their health goals and beliefs, in an
individualized manner
Did you take part in any student career exploration events (i.e. Scrub Clubs/Career Days)
Yes! I participated in ‘Scrub Club’ at Franklin Memorial in my early years of high school. When
the time came to apply for jobs, my job interview was actually done in one of the rooms that we
had practiced casting in, when I was in ‘Scrub Club’. This made a very intimidating interview
feel like it was a familiar + safe space, because I had been there before. ‘Scrub Club’ also aided
in lighting the fire of desiring a healthcare profession as a lifelong career. I encourage all high
school students that mention desiring healthcare to attend– it was a great experience!
In college, I also volunteered at Maine Medical Center in the operating room. This was a great
resume builder + networking opportunity, but more importantly it was a motivating experience
that showed me what my future could/would look like. I left my four hour OR volunteer shifts
feeling emotionally recharged to continue studying my hardest for my exams and putting in my
best work during clinical hours
What would you like to share about your student journey?
It is OK to fail! I had to withdraw from basic algebra my freshman year of college because I was going to fail– and didn’t want that failing grade on my transcript. Because of that, I had to take anatomy and
physiology over the summer (at the time, I thought that was going to be the end of the world). However, in that summer, I became quite close with some classmates who played pivotal roles in the remaining years of undergraduate studies, and met a professor who changed my whole approach to learning. After graduation, I then failed my NCLEX on my first try. Once again, it felt like the world was ending for a while. Because I failed the first time around, where I planned on living, working, and applying for nursing jobs completely changed. When I sat for the NCLEX a second time, I was a different person. I was a person
who struggled, saw her dreams dissolve into a mist. But I overcame that struggle, which made me stronger. It led me to the job I have today, which I love. It led me to the coworkers I have now, whom I adore. It led me to the personal connections and relationships I have now. The failures I experienced have put me right here, right now. A place where I feel very blessed to be at. When you fail (WHEN, not IF), take it as a learning experience. What’s meant to be will, always be