Hometown: Kent, WA
Major: Nursing
The night before I was due to enlist in the Army Reserve, I came down with the shingles virus. What was mistaken for a bad rash quickly turned into a bacterial infection, which would render me immobile for two weeks. The hopes I had of becoming an explosive ordnance disposal technician quickly slipped away. Luckily, while I was recovering I was able to redefine my future, which involved pursuing a degree in nursing at SPU.
I realized my biggest motivation for joining the armed services was my desire to serve other people. While my parents pushed me to become a doctor, my friends who were already in medical school constantly said that I would make a great nurse. Additionally, many of my loved ones had been diagnosed with cancer throughout my life. One of my friends would update me on his treatment because I was his designated “nurse in training,” and I would go on to shave my head alongside him during his first radiation treatment. Supporting my friends and family members through their sickness shaped and encouraged me to become a nurse.
One of the unique characteristics of the SPU nursing program is the combination of faith and science. When I was growing up, one of my favorite Bible stories was that of Samuel, when he responds to God by saying, “Here I am.” During my time in the program, I have grown to believe that I will be able to answer in this manner in all aspects of my life, whether it is in the hospital or somewhere else.
A highlight of the program has definitely been clinical training in real hospital settings. Being a student, it feels amazing to actually work alongside nurses and doctors. Knowing that they want to hear my opinion or know what I’d do in a certain situation is an incredible feeling. The fact that I can profoundly affect a patient’s experience during his or her stay makes the hard work worth it.
After graduation, I plan on taking the National Council Licensure Examination to obtain my Registered Nurse license. From there, I hope to work while getting my oncology nursing certification. Ultimately, I look forward to working on the oncology floor of a hospital so that I can help others, just like other nurses helped my friends and family members.