At the End (RS: third year)

Nursing school at IU has been an incredible journey filled with trials and triumphs, late nights and early mornings, real patients and practice mannequins. More than anything, it has been an honor and a privilege for me to be a part of it all. I have truly enjoyed learning alongside others who, like me, have a passion for nursing. As a senior in my last semester of college, I can reflect upon my previous five semesters in the nursing program and can honestly conclude that I have had some of the best instructors imaginable. They are always there to support and encourage each and every one of us to be the best that we can be and to consistently strive for excellence. They have taught us and continue to remind us that, no matter the circumstances, our patients should be at the forefront of our care and that advocating for our patients is our mission.

For me and many other students, there is something so poignant about our upcoming graduation. Sometimes it is absolutely terrifying to think about leaving IU and entering the real world and saddening to think about nursing school friends going their separate ways. However, IUSON has equipped us with the tools that we will need to succeed. Graduating is a bridge that we must cross so that we can go out into the world and do what IUSON has taught us to do, which is to provide outstanding nursing care.

Graduation on May 4 will represent the end of my IU nursing school career, but it will also signify the beginning of my new career as a professional nurse. But before I get ahead of myself, I still have one semester left. From weekend-long clinical experiences at Bradford Woods to Capstone beginning after spring break, I believe this may be the most exciting semester yet! The future seems to be filled with endless possibilities, and I am looking forward to discovering what it has in store.