Please tell us about your degree and what you are studying.
I’m currently studying nursing and will be graduating with my associate degree in Nursing this December. The program at APU has been an amazing experience, offering a strong mix of hands-on clinical practice and classroom learning. The faculty are incredibly supportive, and the clinical rotations have really helped me build confidence and prepare for the next steps in my nursing career.
Why did you choose APU?
My end goal has always been to earn a nursing degree, but the timing never quite lined up. I first got my start in healthcare as a Community Health Aide in the Aleutian Chain, where I was working toward my Associate of Applied Sciences in Community Health through APU. The flexibility of remote learning made it possible for me to take classes while living in such a remote location, out in the Bering Sea. When I learned about APU’s nursing program, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally pursue my long-time goal.
What was your favorite aspect of studying at APU?
While I truly value the smaller class sizes and the flexibility of the hybrid learning format that fit my lifestyle. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from such experienced and dedicated professors who have really shaped my growth, and I’m especially proud to be graduating alongside such a talented group of future nurses. What stands out most about APU, though, is its deep commitment to culturally safe and competent healthcare—a principle that I believe is essential for all new nurses. I’m excited and honored to be part of a program that not only teaches these core values but lives by them.
Reflecting on your time at APU, what stands out as the most memorable or impactful part of your campus life or learning experience?
Looking back on my time at APU, the most impactful part has been the incredible friendships I’ve made. The relationships I’ve built here are truly special, and I’m grateful for the connections that I wouldn’t have formed anywhere else. APU has fostered such a strong sense of community, and that’s something I’ve really cherished. On a lighter note, one of my favorite memories is walking to class on a crisp fall or winter morning and getting to see the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains—those moments always made the early mornings a little easier to handle!
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, my first steps will be to take the NCLEX exam early in the new year, followed by a much-needed break to spend quality time with my family out of state. As for my career, I haven’t yet secured an RN position, but I’m aiming to work in a local emergency room or pursue an RN residency program. While the future is full of exciting unknowns, I’m looking forward to embracing this new chapter and seeing where it leads!
