What's your favorite thing about Columbia?
I love the variety that Columbia has to offer! Whether it's a day outdoors by the river, coffee at one of Columbia's countless coffee shops, the bright atmosphere of Soda City Market, the diverse restaurant scene, or taking in the beauty of our campus, there's so much to do and appreciate! And, being in the center of the state, it's great that both beaches and mountains are not too far away!
What are your hobbies or things you like to do?
I love to read, play tennis, work out, bake, run, travel, and write! My favorite book ever is Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 movie adaptation is a work of art), and I enjoy reading classics! I was on my high school tennis team, and although I haven't played tennis recently as much as I used to, I try to play every chance I get! However, I have taken up pickleball recently with my friends and love it! My favorite place that I've traveled to is probably Chamonix, France, or Poland; and Greece is on my bucket list (need my Mamma Mia moment!).
What has surprised you the most about Nursing school?
What has surprised me most is the level of adaptability necessary to succeed in classes. Of course, I knew nursing school would be hard, and I'd need to adapt, but when it actually happens it's like a shock! I have to study for each class vastly differently, and it often takes a bit of time to get into the groove at the beginning of each semester. Especially when I transitioned into upper division, where every class is a nursing class, and on top of lecture there are labs and clinicals, it was an adjustment. However, it has taught me the value of having an open mind and going with the flow, which I think will help me as a nurse!
What is an accomplishment in college that you are very proud of?
Apart from my current nursing progress, I'm most proud of my growth outside of my nursing classes. I've taken electives that align with my passions in writing and history and was able to publish a research paper about differences in wartime nursing on the university library's database (using authentic primary sources from the early 1900s!). I'm conducting research with an incredible mentor and hope to eventually publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal! I have a leadership role in my church, am a CON ambassador, and have presented at multiple research conferences here at the school. It has all helped me to exercise my other interests and grow as a person academically, professionally, emotionally, and socially.
Why did you choose USC?
I chose USC because I felt as though I could flourish here. The nursing program is wonderful, the honors college is applauded, there's always something to do on campus, the city is bustling, and resources and tools always seemed to be available for students. And how could I say no to the stunning Horseshoe?!
What advice would you give incoming students?
Create a routine and understand your priorities. Make some time for the things that are important (besides school) and do things you love! You may hear this from many, but it is so critical. Nursing school is a substantial commitment and will take up a lot of your time. However, sources of joy and routine will make it feel a lot more manageable! For me, that was making time for the gym a few times each week since I've always been active and it's a great stress reliever! I pushed myself to attend weekly church events, joined a few clubs, pursued quality time with friends (going out to do things together is just as important as study sessions!), and took a few minutes each day to read. It is all manageable if you know what you want to get out of your college experience and organize your commitments (try to figure it out as early as possible!).