Major: Nursing

Hometown: Baraboo, Wisconsin

Year: Junior

My faith has always been at the center of who I am, and it is one of the biggest reasons I chose nursing. As a Christian, I feel called to serve and love others, and I see nursing as the path where my faith and my passion for helping people come together. I know the things I’m studying now aren’t just for a grade — they will one day allow me to save lives. That perspective motivates me even on the hardest days. 

I chose Viterbo because of its outstanding nursing program and because the small, close-knit community felt like home. Here, professors know me by name, encourage me to step into leadership, and support me in and out of the classroom. I’ve had the chance to get involved in so many ways — as a tour guide, Orientation Leader, junior class senator with Student Government Association, a member of the Honors Program, VSNA, and Campus Ministry, and as a fitness and wellbeing supervisor at the Mathy Center. Each role has stretched me in new ways, and each one has reminded me why I love being part of this community. 

One of the people who helped shape me most was actually a high school teacher. I was a quiet, reserved student, but she gave me an opportunity to lead and helped me realize I had a voice worth sharing. That experience opened doors for me, and it’s a big reason why I’ve leaned into leadership roles at Viterbo. 

Traveling is another passion that has shaped my perspective. Viterbo gave me the chance to study abroad, and seeing how people live in different cultures — their food, climate, history, and economy — has broadened how I view the world and deepened my compassion. 

Looking ahead, I want to continue serving others wherever my career takes me, and I hope to use my nursing degree to make an impact not only in health care but in the lives of people around the world.