What was the application process like at the School of Nursing?
My path to the School of Nursing was a little bit different than everyone else. I applied my sophomore year; however, I unfortunately did not get in my first time. I knew that I wanted to be at the School of Nursing, not another school. So I thought about some ways I could strengthen my application and come back stronger the second time around.
I worked as a nursing assistant at UW Health and really focused on my studies. I pursued another major called Health Promotion and Health Equity within the School of Education. I really enjoyed that major; I feel like it was a fantastic stepping stone into nursing.
I’ve seen it help me in a lot of my classes, and it’s something that’s applicable to anyone in the health care field. Once I strengthened my application, I applied again, and I was blessed to be accepted. That really solidified my desire to be in the School, and I knew at that point that this was the place where I wanted to be.
You received a scholarship from the School of Nursing. How would your education be different if you hadn’t received a scholarship?
If I hadn’t received a scholarship from the School of Nursing, I would have considered going to nursing school elsewhere. As a second-time applicant, I am doing an extra year of school. I am also an out of state student, and I have two younger siblings who also need to go to college.
It meant a lot to me that I was able to save a little bit on my college education by having the scholarship, and it really allowed me to participate in the two-year program here with less financial burden.
In your opinion, why should students apply for scholarships?
Scholarships are a great way to help get some of your college education paid for, especially if you’re someone who is paying for college on your own or are working to support your college education. It really helps to alleviate some of that financial burden.
It never hurts to apply, even if you aren’t sure you’re going to get a scholarship. And I know here at the School of Nursing, they are generous with their scholarships.
“If you get into one area of nursing and you’re not sure it’s right for you, there are so many different avenues and paths you can go on with nursing.”
What advice would you give to individuals who are interested in pursuing nursing?
I would say just jump out of your comfort zone. If you don’t know if you want to do it or not, I would say 100% shoot for it.
Anyone who wants to go in the nursing field should do some shadowing and figure out if health care is the right field for you.
Just know that in nursing, there are so many different career paths. If you get into one area of nursing and you’re not sure it’s right for you, there are so many different avenues and paths you can go on with nursing.
The best part about this field is being able to really choose something you’re passionate about and dig in and use that degree to your advantage.
Curious to learn more about Allie? Check out this article where she shares more about her Badger experience.