Alumni Spotlight

Current occupation: Neurological/Trauma ICU RN at UCLA Ronald Reagan

Greatest professional accomplishment:
My greatest professional accomplishments include getting my RN and PHN licenses and starting my career at UCLA Ronald Reagan’s Neurological/Trauma ICU. 

What first attracted you to USF SONHP?
I was looking for a great nursing school while I was completing my prerequisite courses at Foothill College in Los Altos. I met some USF nursing students when I worked at the Yard House in San Jose. They told me about the high quality of education at USF and the community there. After further research, I learned that USF ranked high in the national standings. After that, I took a campus tour of USF, and loved it.

Why did you choose to study Nursing?
There are a multitude of reasons that led me to choose nursing. However if I had to narrow it down to just one, it would be the ability to work with - as well as to help - others. I wanted to work in a medical profession that enabled me to interact with patients closely. For me, nursing was that avenue. Nursing has enabled me to combine my passion in medicine and my desire to serve others. Having a work schedule with four days off a week is not too bad either. 

What was your favorite Nursing Course?
I had many favorite nursing courses, but the top on my list would be Dr. DeBourgh’s Advanced Med Surg/Med Surg II class. Dr. DeBourgh presents material in such an engaging and entertaining manner that brings the course to life! He also works very hard to help students apply the theory we learned in classes to the clinical practice(s).

What was your favorite USF Nursing Experience/Moment?
I honestly could not have asked for a better experience than the one I had at USF. While there were many contributing factors to my enjoyment, learning, and success in the program, my cohort made my experience at USF extraordinary! My favorite moment was during finals week of my Sophomore 1 semester. I was studying with a group of friends for Dr. Kwong’s Pathophysiology final, and we stayed up almost the entire night in one of the University Center's (UC) conference rooms. I would not be where I am today without my friends Drew Silberstein, Alexis Carreon, Andrew Lam, Desean Deams Dos Santos, Ashley Solemani, and Lisa Lim. Thank you to my colleagues; you each have helped me get to where I am today!

How have your experiences at SONHP helped you in your professional and personal life?
There are too many ways to count. SONHP professors were phenomenal. They prepared me intellectually, while the Simulation and LRC enhanced my skills and clinical practice. The clinical rotations and instructors helped me apply all the theory I learned to help my patients. Each instructor did more than teach me theory; they took the time to help me be a compassionate and well-rounded nurse. I truly feel that the SONHP did an excellent job preparing me to go out into the world of nursing and to succeed.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience as a USF SONHP Major?
One of my favorite quotes is from Mahatma Ghandi who said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” This aligns really well with USF’s call to “Change the world from here." My advice for USF SONHP students is to take these ideals to heart; be the type of person, student, and practitioner who embodies change that will advance the world of healthcare. To do this, I encourage all students to utilize the vast resources that are available at USF, and to participate in the myriad of clubs, activities, and mission trips the school offers. Time at USF will fly by so make the most of it by engaging and interacting with your fellow classmates and teachers. If you do, I promise you will leave prepared and ready to take on the world!