Registered Nurse, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska

I was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, by loving, supportive parents. I am the middle of three girls. The first 13 years of my education were spent in Catholic schools. At Hillsdale I was very involved in my sorority, Chi Omega, and was also a member of Beta Beta Beta biological honorary. After graduation, I returned to Omaha to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing at Clarkson College.

My courses at Hillsdale without a doubt provided me an excellent foundation of knowledge in subjects central to nursing such as chemistry, mathematics, biology, and psychology. However, the most important thing I learned while attending Hillsdale was not so specific. Hillsdale taught me how to read, write, think, and learn. These skills not only helped me to excel in nursing school, but also are applied in my everyday life.

Regardless of your post-college plans, pursue a liberal arts education. I came to Hillsdale with no idea what I wanted to major in or where I wanted to end up after graduation. During my freshman year at Hillsdale, I enjoyed each class I took and, therefore, changed my major a handful of times. The following summer an experience with a hospitalized family member exposed me to the nursing field, and I immediately knew it was where I belonged. Although Hillsdale does not have a nursing program, transferring was not an option I was willing to consider. I loved Hillsdale, the relationships I had developed, and the education I was receiving. I am so grateful that I chose this route. Nursing school prepared me for my career, but it is very focused on the study of pathophysiology, nursing theory, and clinical practice. Had I not attended Hillsdale I feel my education would have been limited and I would not have had the opportunity to study areas outside of the sciences, such as the arts and humanities.

I chose Hillsdale purely on instinct. When I visited the campus, it just felt right. I also loved the community feel and small class sizes, as well as the beautiful setting.

Hillsdale helped me to develop as a person, both personally and professionally. The students at Hillsdale are held to a high standard, and therefore the moral and intellectual caliber of my peers compelled me to grow into a better person. The small size of Hillsdale encouraged me to become involved and to seek leadership roles. These opportunities, specifically within my sorority and the Greek system, helped me to develop responsibility, confidence, and interpersonal skills.

The highlight of my Hillsdale experience is the lifelong friends I found and the memories we made together!

shanwilliamson7@gmail.com