My Experience 

My background in the retail and cosmetology industries, together with my varied history in administrative and customer service jobs, have given me a unique skill set that I am excited to bring to the healthcare industry. My organizational and multitasking skills developed in my prior positions as an administrative assistant in the Technology Leadership and Communication Department and at the Indiana University School of Medicine. These positions required attention to detail, excellent communication, and knowledge of business software systems, all of which are transferable and necessary in a nursing environment.

I acquired great customer service skills working as a sales associate at Kohl's, which improved my ability to interact with people from different backgrounds. Working as a stylist at Fantastic Sam allowed me to consult with clients on their unique requirements, which helped me develop the excellent interpersonal skills and compassion skills that are crucial to patient care. As an Assistant Manager/Shift Leader at Dairy Queen, I not only oversaw customer orders and transactions, but I also received significant expertise in inventory maintenance and team leadership. 

Ambassador 

One of my biggest strengths is how adaptable and hardworking I am, especially in fast-paced environments like clinicals or juggling multiple roles. I’ve also grown a lot in how I connect with others, my communication has improved too. Moving forward, one of my main goals is to strengthen my time management skills. As the semester wraps up, it’s been challenging to balance school and work, especially with the intensity of nursing school. I’m learning to prioritize and plan better so I can give school the time it deserves without overwhelming myself. To me, professionalism means being respectful, dependable, organized, and confident. It’s about showing up for others, whether it’s classmates, coworkers, or patients, and being someone people can count on. It also means knowing when to take initiative and when to ask for help. I carry those values with me in class, during clinicals, and in my work. 

One experience that shaped my professional identity was when my internship site offered to keep me on board after my internship ended. That moment made me feel truly valued and gave me a sense of belonging. It also boosted my confidence in my future as a nurse. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a student at IUPUI is that people do want to help you succeed. I’ll never forget the time a professor stayed after class just to explain a concept I didn’t fully understand, something that showed me the importance of asking for help and being open to support. My passion for nursing grows from wanting to give the best care possible. I had a moment with a patient who told me how kind. I was and how they believed I’d make it through school. That encouragement meant the world to me and reminded me exactly why I chose this path.      

Spring Update: This semester has continued to show me how important it is to be adaptable and hardworking, qualities I’ve relied on while balancing clinicals, work, and school. I’ve seen even more growth in my communication skills, especially as I work more closely with professors and classmates. One major lesson I’ve learned about leadership is that it’s not just about being in charge, it’s about working with everyone and making sure people feel heard and supported. As a leader, I focus on making sure everyone is on the same page and that we’re working toward the same goal. That’s a skill I’ve carried into clinicals, class projects, and my work as a LHSI Ambassador.