Posted September 21, 2021 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, Class of 2016
Cleveland State University, Class of 2021
United States Navy; Officer Development School, Commissioned Officer
Since finishing High School, what have you been up to?
After graduating from Lawrence, I enrolled in the School of Nursing at Cleveland State University. I just finished up my degree this past spring. I then had to shift my focus to passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). It definitely took some preparation, but I passed the test and now I’m officially a Registered Nurse!
While I’ve known for quite some time that I wanted to pursue the field of medicine, I’ve also always felt a deep calling to serve my country. A few years back, I applied to the Navy’s Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island. I was one of only ten nurses invited to become a commissioned officer and complete the intense five-week program following my undergraduate studies. I will soon begin training in Navy Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Afterwards, I’ll report to the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, to begin my career as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer.
Tell us about your experience at Cleveland State University.
Cleveland State is obviously much bigger than what I had been accustomed to at Lawrence, but I pushed myself to take tough classes in high school and that prepared me for the demands of college. It was an adjustment, but I did well and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
What skills did you use in college that you learned at Lawrence?
Definitely self-advocacy. At Lawrence, I learned to never be afraid to talk to my teachers. I carried this skill with me to Cleveland State and my ability to contact professors and advocate for what I needed in the classroom is really what got me through nursing school. My younger sister is also in nursing school at CSU and I have often encouraged her to do the same.
Another helpful thing I took away from my time at Lawrence isn’t technically an academic skill, but still made a big difference in my life—and that was learning how to lift weights. I spent a lot of time after school lifting in Lawrence’s training room. I didn’t know it back then, but keeping in shape was a huge stress reliever all throughout my college years; and eventually it even helped me gain my Navy acceptance.
What is your fondest memory of Lawrence School?
I was never excited about school until I came to Lawrence. My parents enrolled me in the fourth grade and my outlook changed instantly. One day, I woke up in the morning and just couldn’t wait to get to school. My dad was so surprised, he called up Mr. Salza, who was the head of school back then, and jokingly asked him if any teaching was actually taking place. He couldn’t believe my transformation.
But all jokes aside, my best school memories all involve Lawrence teachers. They are like no other and even as a child it was obvious to me they cared deeply for every student and wanted to see us all succeed. As I grew older, I loved to talk with them about school and about life.
What words of advice do you have for current Lawrence students?
Looking back, I’m so glad I never gave up on school. My advice is to keep working hard and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I expect to find myself back in school. I hope to one day become a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia. However, I know I’ll head wherever duty calls with the Navy.