Shiloh Sziy was involved in many activities during her time at Catasauqua. She was a cheerleader, played multiple sports and was also a leader in many other extra-curricular activities. She now works as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston Texas. Let’s hear what Shiloh has to say about life after graduation from CHS.
Interviewed by Hannah Kurczeski, Activities Editor
After I graduated from Catty in 2015, I went to Baylor University in Waco, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in 2019.
At the start of my senior year at Catty, I thought I wanted to be a teacher or a social worker. My mom, who works at the high school, basically told me no, haha! I decided pursue a nursing degree after talking with my family and other nurses in my life, like Mrs. Tercha! My plans have basically stayed on course since then. The only time there were questions as to where I’d end up was when I was deciding which field of nursing to go into. Luckily, I landed exactly where I belong.
I am currently a Registered Nurse (RN) at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. I work in the Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at my hospital. The level IV is the highest-level acuity you can be for a NICU. This basically means we take the sickest and youngest babies, can perform bedside surgery, and are trained to work with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machines. We see babies born as early as 23 weeks' gestation, term babies with congenital defects, and other diagnoses that would require a newborn to be hospitalized. I started out as a new grad here back in July of 2019 and have been off orientation, working as a real-life nurse, since January 2020.
I think the traditions at Catty are what are most memorable to me. I have a ton of happy memories when I think about hall decorating, lip sync, "The Horse" at football games, pep rallies and the Turkey Day game. Catty has so many traditions that have been happening for generations that really bring everyone together. I truly think that there was something for everyone to do or get involved with at some point throughout high school at Catty, whether it was getting in touch with your creative side while hall decorating, your dramatic side when performing lip sync, or your athletic side competing on spirit day. I can say that, when meeting new people from other schools or states, no one has had a high school experience quite like mine at Catty.
Get involved and have fun! Join clubs, volunteer and step out of your comfort zone; not just in high school but after. Some of the biggest risks have the best rewards. I was extremely nervous about leaving my small town after 18 years and moving to another state for college, but I am so happy I did it. I experienced things that I never thought I would, made lifelong friendships, and got my dream job because of the risks I took. I will always have a place in my heart for Catty and my friends and family there, but I am thankful that I had them as my foundation and motivation to explore the world.
Also, be kind, please. Sometimes what may seem like a small act of kindness by you can really change someone’s day.
Lastly, I wouldn’t be able to call myself a nurse if I didn’t advise y’all to WASH YOUR DANG HANDS AND WEAR A MASK!
