What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing because I’ve always had a deep passion for helping others and believed that even small actions can create meaningful change. Growing up, I held onto the idea that one person can make a difference, and in healthcare, that becomes very real — whether it’s offering a comforting conversation, repositioning a patient, or simply being present during a vulnerable moment. These small acts can ease fear, build trust, and improve someone’s overall well-being, which is exactly the kind of impact I want to have. My interest in nursing strengthened in high school after taking anatomy, medical terminology, and CNA courses, which confirmed how much I enjoyed both the science of healthcare and the human connection it offers. At the same time, I became motivated to help address the lack of diversity, equity, and representation in healthcare—something I felt personally whenever I rarely saw people of color in medical settings. Becoming a nurse allows me to support and comfort patients from all backgrounds while also serving as a visible example that representation matters, especially for minority communities who face barriers in accessing care.

Why did you choose UNI’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program?

I chose UNI’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program because I truly fell in love with the campus, community, and overall experience I had at UNI. I originally planned to follow the 3+1 Health Sciences track, completing three years at UNI before transferring to Allen College for an accelerated nursing year. However, once UNI announced its own BSN program, it felt like the perfect fit. I had already grown to appreciate UNI’s supportive community, smaller campus size, and the opportunities to build meaningful connections both academically and personally. The affordability and abundance of student resources also made UNI stand out. What ultimately confirmed my decision was attending Dr. Nancy Kertz’s informational meeting in Maucker Union in 2023. Learning about the program’s integrated classroom approach, diverse clinical experiences, and the chance to learn from professors with a wide range of nursing backgrounds made me excited and confident that UNI’s BSN program was where I belonged. It aligned with both my educational goals and the environment in which I knew I would thrive.

What have been some of your favorite parts of the program so far?

One of my favorite parts of the program so far is how fully immersed and supported I feel by the faculty, staff, and my fellow students. Being part of the second cohort feels meaningful because we’re helping shape the future of UNI Nursing, and it’s exciting to know that the work we put in now will leave a lasting impact on future students. I’ve already been given so many opportunities to grow, not just as a future nurse, but as a person. I love being able to learn new skills in simulation and then confidently apply them in real-world settings. It’s also inspiring to watch everyone in my cohort grow together, becoming more skilled, compassionate, and self-assured as we learn side by side. The constant, constructive feedback from professors has helped me adapt, improve, and truly understand what it means to care for others. And above all else, I absolutely love the purple scrubs—they make me feel proud and excited to be part of this program every single day.

What are you most excited to experience or accomplish next?

I am most excited to begin my clinicals, which start in the spring semester of 2026. This will be my first real opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained in courses like Health Assessment, Principles of Nursing Practice, and Pharmacotherapeutics. I’m especially looking forward to diving into areas such as Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and Chronic Care, where I can see firsthand how nursing concepts translate into meaningful patient care. Clinicals feel like the moment everything comes together: such as the studying, the simulations, and the countless hours of practice. I’m also excited to take more advanced nursing courses, knowing that each one builds on the last and prepares me for my future licensure. Nursing is a lifelong learning journey, and I’m eager to keep growing, gaining experience, and strengthening the skills that will shape me into the nurse I aspire to become.

Have you had any healthcare experience outside the program — before or during your time at UNI? How has it influenced your nursing journey or your experience in the program so far?

Before coming to UNI, I gained early healthcare experience through my high school CNA classes, which included hands-on clinical rotations. Those clinicals were incredibly meaningful and confirmed how much I valued caring for others. Although I wasn’t sure what my academic path would look like after graduation and chose not to get my CNA licensure at the time, that experience has stayed with me — and I’m eager to go back and earn my CNA soon. Since being at UNI, I’ve also had the opportunity to volunteer at multiple health screenings with UNI BSN professor Dr. Jimmy Reyes. These events have been especially impactful because they align with my passion for giving back to minority populations and helping improve access to care for underserved communities. Volunteering in these settings has strengthened my commitment to patient-centered care and shown me how important community-based programs and accessible screenings are for individuals who don’t always receive the care they need. All of these experiences have shaped my nursing journey and continue to motivate my goals within the UNI BSN program.

Is there a professor or mentor who has made a difference in your nursing journey so far?

One professor who has made a significant difference in my nursing journey is Dr. Jimmy Reyes. Although my time with him was brief before he departed from the program due to family reasons, his mentorship left a lasting impact, and I continue to stay in touch with him. Dr. Reyes taught courses in both nursing and public health, including Research and Evidence-Based Practice (NURS 2575), and he stood out as a mentor because of his ability to guide, challenge, and support students all at once. He consistently provided thoughtful, constructive feedback, encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones, and pushed us to actively participate in group activities—a skill especially helpful for our cohort, which speakers often tease as being “a quiet bunch,” though we’re learning to find our voices. Through his mentorship, I gained confidence, strengthened my leadership abilities, and learned how to collaborate effectively with peers.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Reyes inspired community engagement by connecting us with volunteering opportunities through his nonprofit, MyHealthIowa, allowing me to gain hands-on experience in community-centered care and better understand the needs of underserved populations. His guidance has shaped not only my skills as a future nurse but also my approach to leadership, advocacy, and service, providing a strong example of how to combine expertise, compassion, and mentorship.

In addition, I feel fortunate that all the faculty in the BSN program act as mentors. They offer guidance one-on-one, provide constructive feedback, and even dedicate time outside of class for review sessions or additional support. Their commitment has profoundly influenced my growth as a future nurse and reinforced the supportive, collaborative environment that makes UNI’s BSN program so special.

What are your career goals or dreams for the future of your nursing career?

My long-term career goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse and eventually a Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and representation in healthcare. I am passionate about serving patients from all backgrounds, especially BIPOC communities, because I have personally seen how underrepresentation can create barriers to care and trust. By pursuing a BSN at UNI and earning a Health and Social Services certification, I plan to gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to provide empathetic, patient-centered care while addressing systemic inequities. After obtaining my RN licensure and completing a pediatric-focused residency, I intend to work in acute care to refine my skills before moving into a primary care setting. Eventually, I aim to advance my education to become a Nurse Practitioner, which will allow me to broaden my impact, advocate for underserved populations, and mentor future nurses. Along the way, I hope to model what it means to be a confident, compassionate woman of color in healthcare, inspire young children to pursue their dreams, and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable healthcare environments. I am committed to developing both my professional and personal skills, including leadership, communication, empathy, and adaptability, to serve patients effectively and help evolve the healthcare system for the better.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about studying nursing at UNI?

My advice to students considering nursing at UNI would be to first and foremost go on a campus tour. Before the tour, I recommend researching the BSN program to familiarize yourself with its curriculum, outcomes, and areas of focus. This preparation allows students to ask thoughtful questions and make the most of their visit. During the tour, pay close attention to any student panels. Hearing directly from students who are living the experience you hope to have is invaluable. Peer-to-peer interactions can provide insights that you won’t get from a brochure or website, and I found these conversations extremely influential in solidifying my decision to attend UNI. Beyond the tour, I encourage students to apply and experience UNI for themselves. The university offers countless resources, from faculty mentorship to academic support services, all designed to help students succeed and grow in their nursing careers. Ultimately, embrace opportunities to connect with faculty, explore the community, and get involved early—these experiences will help shape their journey and prepare them for a meaningful and successful nursing career as a Panther.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience as a UNI nursing student?

My experience as a UNI nursing student has been shaped not only by academics but also by my involvement in campus and community organizations, which has fostered both personal growth and stronger community connections. As the current president of the UNI Nursing Club and chair of programming for the Black Student Union (BSU), I have developed leadership, organizational, and teamwork skills that complement my nursing education and allow me to give back to the student community. I am also a member of Cat Crew, welcoming first-year and transfer students to campus before classes begin. It is always thrilling to meet new nursing students, answer their questions about the program, and help them navigate their options at UNI. Seeing one of my first Cat Crew group members now part of the third cohort and serving on the Nursing Club executive team has been especially rewarding—it feels like coming full circle. These experiences have strengthened my communication, mentorship, and leadership abilities while deepening my appreciation for the supportive and collaborative environment at UNI, making my journey as a nursing student even more meaningful.