What is your background? Hometown? High school? Family members?: I grew up in Dubuque with my parents and three brothers. I graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 2005. From there I moved to Cedar Falls where I attended UNI and graduated with a BA in Family Services in 2008. It was also at UNI that I met my husband and we’ve been married for 6 years. Toward the tail end of my education at UNI I began making the transition to nursing school, but real life happens and my husband got a job in Cedar Rapids and we moved here. I began working in the human services field at Tanager Place and then Four Oaks for the last 6 years until I decided it was time to go back to school for nursing as human services was not where my heart was. I also can’t forget that two and a half years ago, my husband and I had a son named Maddox. He is the light of my life and he is the driving force behind everything I do.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: There were two main factors in my decision to attend Kirkwood. First, being that I already have a four-year degree, I didn’t feel it was necessary to go get another so the two-year Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) program was perfect. Also, being that it was more affordable than a university, I’ve been able to go through the program without taking out any student loans. I already have enough from undergrad so this was perfect for me!
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I am currently in the ADN program. At the end of this program I will have fulfilled the educational requirements to be an RN. I think what interests me the most about it is the diversity of things you can do with one career. There is always something to learn and new specialties to introduce yourself to if you’re ever finding yourself needing more. Also, the ability to have such an important part in saving a life is something I feel you can’t find anywhere else!
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I’m currently involved in the Kirkwood Student Nurses Association (KSNA). We help raise funds for charitable organizations as well as to help students attend the National Student Nursing Convention each year. This past April I was able to attend in Phoenix, Ariz. with some of my classmates and it was an awesome experience!
Are involved in anything off of campus? If so, what and why?: I’m unfortunately not involved in anything off campus as the majority of my time is spent in school, working, or with my family. Once I graduate in December and life slows down a little bit, I’m hoping to become more involved in the community again.
What do you do for fun?: When I finally have time for some fun I mainly just enjoy spending time with my family and doing anything with them. We go hiking a lot and really enjoy being outside. I’m not going to lie, at the end of a long day I also love vegging in front of the TV with some junk food!
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In five years I see myself (hopefully!) working as a labor nurse at the St Luke’s Birth Care Center. This has been and remains my goal since entering the nursing program. The nurses there during my own personal experience were amazing and made my stay there such a positive experience. I hope to one day be able to do that for other moms and families!