Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
Nursing majors who aspire to get into the program at Southern gathered in the Farnham Hall lobby to hear some students share their strategies, stories, and tips in order to better prepare them for what is in store for them.
Michelle Wituck, senior nursing major, said students who attended the event gained some knowledge on what it takes to get into the nursing program at Southern and continue to do well.
“This is a really big commitment,” said Wituck. “It takes a lot of work, time, and your emotions. If you’re willing to put all of it in there and willing to go for it then I think the student should do it.”
Monique Mason, a nursing major who transferred from Quinnipiac University, said she helped organize the event and told the students she had to mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare herself for the work load she got in her first semester in the program.
“I just want to help to make students realize that this is something you have to love doing,” said Mason. “I had to fight a lot of doubts in my head and adversity around me. I also had the drive and motivation to help guide me.”
Melody Rueangrung, junior nursing major, also helped organize the event and said the fact that she can see herself in her future working in this field helps her to keep pushing through all of the hard work.
Mason said a student’s relationship with their friends can help them remain on task because it makes their goals seem more accomplishable.
“When I hear someone say they have been through the same things that I am going through,” said Mason, “It makes me feel like if they overcame all of that, then I can too.”
Rueangrung said she too relies on the support of her friends and that it is important for students to realize that in a competitive major such as nursing, not everyone is your friend.
“There are different kinds of people in the world,” said Rueangrung, “so don’t share your grades. Be careful who you surround yourself with because people do lie about their grades and some feel better when they see another student doing badly. If you do bad then just go back, learn from your mistakes, and know that you can do it.”
Rueangrung and Mason said that determination will take a student a long way in this program.
“There is a lot of sacrifices you have to make,” said Rueangrung. “I could have went pumpkin picking this year, but I didn’t because I had exams. Slowly you have to realize what is more important and that’s why I want to make students realize early on all the things they will have to sacrifice. You can’t be lazy; you have to try to remain determined.”
Rueangrung said she feels it is important students make time for themselves because most only go to college once, but it is equally important to do so in moderation.
Mason said the grade she receives after she studies for a hard test is the reward that keeps her working hard.
“We know it is easy to get distracted,” said Mason, “But you have to think about what you want long term. ‘Do you want to party and possibly fail your exams? Or would you like to pass and make a career out of what you accomplished?’”
