I attended SCCC from January 2015 until I graduated with my associate degree in nursing in 2018. When I first enrolled at SCCC, I was filled with self-doubt. I had already experienced a life of adversity, and while I always performed well academically, attending college felt like an opportunity I didn't think I deserved. Afterall, I would become the first college graduate in my family.
I always wanted to be a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner because I wanted to be in a position to help others. As a non-traditional student, I worked full-time while attending college. The faculty at SCCC believed I could be successful. I completed my prerequisite courses and was accepted into the SCCC/PCCC nursing program, where I graduated with my associate degree in nursing in 2018.
During my time at SCCC, I volunteered as the President of the Anatomy Club, working under Professor Hablawi. After graduating from the SCCC/PCCC nursing program, I received the Nurse Education Service Award and the Academic Achievement Award for my service to the college and my peers and for maintaining the highest GPA.
As a registered nurse, I was fortunate to work in several specialties, including Neuro/Trauma, Labor and Delivery, and Critical Care. While working full-time, I completed my RN-BSN in 2020 and became a nurse practitioner. I enrolled in a dual-degree program through Misericordia University and graduated with my MSN and doctorate in 2023.
Since graduating, I have worked as a family nurse practitioner, providing primary care to patients with a secondary specialty in health and wellness. In addition to my role as a nurse practitioner, I am an adjunct professor for the SCCC/PCCC nursing program and lecture on various topics and disorders, including neurological and endocrinological disorders.
It is okay if you don鈥檛 believe in yourself when you begin your journey; with the help and guidance of SCCC鈥檚 faculty, you will realize how bright your future can be. Commit to taking that leap of faith; with hard work and patience, your dreams, no matter how big or small, can actually come true.
My academic journey took me 8.5 years, but none of it would have been possible without taking that first step and enrolling at SCCC. SCCC鈥檚 motto, 鈥淪tart here, go anywhere!鈥� is incredibly fitting and consistent with my personal experience. SCCC not only gave me the foundation to perform well academically, but also the confidence to believe I could one day become a healthcare provider and earn a terminal degree. I am forever grateful for my experience at SCCC, and I hope my journey inspires someone else to take that leap of faith.
Pictured: Dr. Christina Miller, 2018 Nursing Program Graduate.