The School of Nursing is proud to introduce the 2024-2025 student ambassadors. The student ambassadors, who are traditional bachelor of science in nursing students, represent the School of Nursing through various outreach initiatives. They provide valuable insights to prospective undergraduate students and their families, foster connections with alumni, donors, and friends, and serve as peer mentors for current nursing and pre-nursing students.
Meet the 2024-25 Student Ambassadors
Kiran Arora x’25
Kiran Arora chose the UW–Madison School of Nursing for its access to state-of-the-art technology, exceptional hospitals, phenomenal faculty, and the resources unmatched by other nursing schools.
Their favorite experience in their nursing education so far was their obstetrics immersion clinical experience over the summer. This experience solidified their passion for the profession.
After graduation, Arora hopes to work on a labor and delivery floor and eventually go back to school to receive their doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in midwifery.
Arora’s advice to future nursing students: “Prioritize yourself. Engage in activities that you love, sleep enough, eat well, and find ways to laugh often. There is no one right way to be a nursing student — follow the path that feels best to you!”
Chloe Diamond x’26
Chloe Diamond’s desire to attend a large research institution and love for the city of Madison led her to the UW–Madison School of Nursing. As a pre-nursing student, she earned a certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies, which broadened her perspective as both a student and a future nurse.
Diamond, a first-year nursing student, is excited to make memories and continue expanding her knowledge. After graduation, she hopes to work in a hospital environment for a few years before continuing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Diamond’s favorite UW–Madison tradition is to sing “Build Me Up, Buttercup” at Camp Randall.
Sonam Dorjee x’25
Sonam Dorjee chose the UW–Madison School of Nursing for its supportive learning environment, diverse student community, and innovative clinical opportunities. Dorjee has built strong teamwork skills through early clinical experiences and appreciates the expert guidance of clinical instructors.
Dorjee’s summer externship on the surgical trauma/intermediate unit at University Hospital was a highlight of her nursing education, offering valuable hands-on experience and mentorship. After graduation, Dorjee hopes to work in critical care, a field she discovered a passion for during a summer placement. Eventually, Dorjee aspires to support underserved communities in her mother’s hometown of Dharamshala, India, with a focus on health care access and animal welfare.
Outside of nursing, Dorjee enjoys spending time with friends at the Memorial Union Terrace and savoring cheese curds while enjoying the views of Lake Mendota.
Alice Hu x’26
Alice Hu chose the UW–Madison School of Nursing for its strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming community that celebrates individuality and continuous learning.
One of her favorite experiences during the pre-nursing track was participating in the “Nursing: Diversity and Women’s Studies” first-year interest group, which allowed her to build meaningful connections and receive valuable support from her peers.
After graduation, Hu hopes to work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or pediatric inpatient setting, driven by her passion for caring for children. She is also considering furthering her education to become a nurse practitioner, with the goal of making a profound impact on her future patients.
Hu encourages prospective nursing students to explore the diverse career paths available with a nursing degree: “While many people associate the nursing profession exclusively with bedside care, it is a much more diverse field. Considering the various patient demographics, health care environments, and job responsibilities available, there’s a high chance you can find something that fits your needs and personality. From bedside care to management roles, and urban to rural settings, the options are vast, and you may discover a path you truly love!”
Brandon Kreger x’26
Brandon Kreger chose the UW–Madison School of Nursing due to his strong ties to the Madison area and the program’s national reputation as one of the best in the country. He believes that earning his degree from UW–Madison will set him up for success in his future endeavors.
After graduation, Kreger hopes to work as a registered nurse for a few years before pursuing a doctor of nursing practice and working with patients who have endocrine disorders. He hopes to have a positive impact on his community.
One of Kreger’s favorite experiences in his nursing education was participating in an undergraduate cadaver lab, a unique opportunity that only a few universities offer. He found the class to be immensely beneficial for deepening his understanding of the human body.
Kreger recognizes that nursing requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He encourages future nursing students by sharing, “While nursing isn’t always the easiest path, the rewards of seeing your efforts pay off are incredibly fulfilling. You can do it!”
Carina Meixelsperger x’25
Carina Meixelsperger chose to attend the UW–Madison School of Nursing because it has been her dream school since she was young. Growing up attending Badger games, she always wanted to be a Badger.
One of her favorite nursing school memories has been spending time with her clinical group. “We had so much fun together in CTEN (Center for Technology-Enhanced Nursing), clinical and class!” After graduation, she hopes to become a pediatric intensive care (PICU) nurse.
Meixelsperger’s favorite UW tradition is sitting at the Memorial Union terrace at sunset and listening to the live bands play. For prospective nursing students, she advises, “Get involved in some sort of health care experience, whether that be getting your CNA license, phlebotomy, or EMT. The options are endless, and it will help you get an idea of what kind of nursing you might want to do.”
Nicole Mendez x’25
Nicole Mendez selected the UW–Madison School of Nursing because of its reputation as a great nursing program and a renowned research institution. Another selling point was that Madison is close to her hometown of Chicago while still feeling far away.
A highlight of her first semester in the program has been attending nursing-related events, including the Underrepresented Student and Alumni Reception. She also loves singing “Jump Around!” at UW football games.
After graduation, Mendez plans to study to become a nurse practitioner specializing in family practice. Her advice to those interested in pursuing a career in nursing is to network, ask for help, ask questions, and educate yourself about the breadth of the nursing field.
Spencer Meyer x’25
Spencer Meyer chose to attend the UW–Madison School of Nursing because of its outstanding academic reputation and the hands-on clinical exposure students receive. Meyer adds, “I also really enjoy the professors and other faculty here on campus. They continuously push me to become a better student, which I know will help me grow in my profession and as an individual.”
Meyer’s favorite part of the program so far is applying knowledge and skills gained from the classroom in real-world settings. Outside of class, he loves participating in “Jump Around!” during football games. “The energy and atmosphere are an incredible experience,” Meyer says.
After graduation, he hopes to work as a nurse at UW Health for a year and then pursue further education to obtain his nurse practitioner’s license.
His advice for students who are interested in nursing is to become more involved on campus by joining nursing clubs or starting their own. He also encourages students to learn as much as they can about nursing. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Meyer says.
Ruth Mongoven x’26
Ruth Mongoven chose to attend the UW–Madison School of Nursing for the emphasis its curriculum puts on interactive experiences in labs and clinicals. She appreciates the vibrant city of Madison and the university’s reputation as a great Big Ten institution.
One of her most significant experiences was taking a class called “Individuals with Disabilities,” which provided weekly volunteer opportunities at The Neighborhood House in Madison. This allowed her to connect with various individuals, learning about their jobs, hobbies, families, and aspirations.
After graduation, Mongoven hopes to work as a nurse for a few years before going back to school to become a nurse practitioner (NP) or nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
For those considering nursing, she advises, “Work, volunteer, or shadow at a clinic, senior living center, or hospital! I always knew I wanted to do nursing, but being in these health environments and watching nurses at work really solidified my passion for nursing and made me even more excited to move forward!”
Her favorite campus activity is attending football games, especially participating in “Jump Around!”
Rachelle Navarro x’25
Rachelle Navarro chose to attend the UW–Madison School of Nursing because of the strong sense of pride and support that comes with being a Badger nurse. She is proud to represent the school and finds that the opportunities to grow and become a strong leader are endless. She describes the camaraderie between her peers and faculty as “incredibly uplifting.”
Her favorite experience in nursing school was successfully completing the head-to-toe assessment, a challenging but rewarding milestone. “It was pretty stressful to learn, but with the help of my classmates and professors, I passed on my first attempt. It was a proud and rewarding feeling, and I continue to use those skills in practice.”
After graduation, Navarro is eager to pursue a career in the emergency department (ED). She spent her summer in UW Health’s ED through an externship, where she expanded her knowledge and gained invaluable experience. Currently, she works as a nursing assistant in the ED and plans to apply to the residency program soon.
Her advice to future nursing students? “As corny and cliche as it sounds, my piece of advice is to believe in yourself! You have to be confident in yourself first before you can help others. It can be a daunting profession, but if you believe in yourself, you can make a true difference in other people’s lives.”
Bella Schuelke x’25
Bella Schuelke has dreamed of attending the UW–Madison School of Nursing since she realized she wanted to become a nurse. Now a second-year student, she confidently states that there is no other university she would rather attend. Inspired by the impressive simulation spaces and dedicated faculty, Schuelke finds motivation in the in-depth curriculum and camaraderie with her peers. She has also fallen in love with Madison, appreciating its lakeside and downtown areas.
After graduation, Schuelke hopes to work in labor and delivery or postpartum care in the Milwaukee area. She also aspires to explore leadership opportunities or attend graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. She is interested in working in aesthetics as a nurse injector.
A highlight of her experience has been the friendships she has formed, particularly with her clinical group, which eased her transition into nursing school. Schuelke’s advice for aspiring nurses is to stay positive and remember the reasons behind their choice: “Nursing can be challenging, but reflecting on how lucky you are to help others can boost motivation.”
Her favorite UW tradition is sitting in the terrace chairs at Memorial Union with friends each spring, a comforting reminder of finishing the semester strong and enjoying good times together.
Allie Young x’26
Allie Young chose to attend the School of Nursing due to its national prestige, its access to the health sciences campus, and her love for Signe Skott Cooper Hall. She says, “It is obvious that the professors care about their students and their well-being and want us to succeed.”
Before starting nursing school, Young worked as a nursing assistant at UW Health University Hospital. The experience solidified her passion for health care and helping others. It also allowed her to gain valuable patient care skills while connecting with driven individuals who share her commitment to patient care.
Though she is unsure of her exact path after graduation, she is interested in working in the emergency room or intensive care unit before transitioning into labor and delivery. Young is also considering further education to become a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health.
Her advice for aspiring nurses is to give themselves grace when material gets tough or when mistakes happen. “We are all human, and mistakes are inevitable,” she notes. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and say yes to everything!”
Her favorite UW tradition is Jump Around during football games!