My journey to nursing has been anything but linear. At my core, I’ve always been a natural caretaker with a deep passion for supporting vulnerable populations—whether it’s animals, the elderly, babies, children, or underserved communities. At the same time, I once envisioned myself leading an international Fortune 500 company, jet-setting across the globe regularly for work, and shattering every glass ceiling in sight.

Growing up, I admired my mother’s remarkable intelligence and her dedicated career as a nurse, inspired by the impact she made. In high school, I volunteered on a medical-surgical floor at a local hospital, where I found immense fulfillment in caring for patients in their worst moments. However, in full transparency, I quickly realized I had a hard time handling the smells—something anyone with clinical experience can surely relate to!

Yet, just a few months into the field, I found myself unfulfilled. The prestige and status that once excited me felt hollow. As someone deeply empathetic, I realized that I needed more than professional success—I needed to make a real, tangible impact on others' lives to feel truly complete.

I pushed myself to stick it out for as long as possible, but deep down, I knew I needed a change. I began searching for a way to merge my passion for healthcare with my business background—an avenue that would allow me to build on my existing skills rather than abandon them completely. After many conversations with mentors, I realized that pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) would be the perfect way to bridge the two. This path allowed me to work in a healthcare setting, advocate for vulnerable populations, and leverage my business expertise in a meaningful way. It felt like the ideal middle ground—a steppingstone toward a career that would bring me greater fulfillment.

I was aware of accelerated nursing programs, including those that allowed students to work toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. If I was going back to school, I wanted to aim for the highest designation possible. Having had such positive experiences at the University of Cincinnati prior, the decision became an easy one when I discovered their Accelerated MSN program.

Through my time in the healthcare industry, I quickly came to appreciate the strong reputation and credibility of a UC nursing degree. I also recognized that the learning opportunities in an environment where teaching and mentorship are ingrained in the culture would be boundless. The UC College of Nursing is part of the UC Academic Health Center, is affiliated with UC Medical Center—the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center—and partners with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the nation’s top pediatric hospital. With these exceptional partnerships, I knew the opportunities for hands-on learning would be second to none.  

I am thrilled to share that in August 2025, I will graduate and take the NCLEX. Although my path to this moment has been anything but linear, I am beyond eager and excited to finally step into my greatest passion and lifelong dream. Becoming a nurse—just like my mom and the many exceptional nurses who have inspired me along the way—is the highest honor. I am eager to officially step into this profession, devote myself to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, and fulfill the purpose I have passionately pursued for so long.