Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to go out for a run before a 12-hour clinical shift at the hospital may not be for everyone, but it allowed me to pursue my two passions—distance running and nursing. In May, I graduated from PennWest-Edinboro, and soon I’ll begin my career as a registered nurse on a cardiac stepdown unit at WVU Memorial Hospital. I also plan to pursue my dream of running professionally.

During my senior year at Edinboro, I was one of five women and five men recognized by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference for both athletics and academics. I hold this accolade near to my heart because it encompasses everything I’ve done as a student-athlete. The award also acknowledges my goals and the grit and determination that got me to graduation day.

My higher education journey was a little different than most. In Fall 2018, I was playing on the women’s soccer team at Temple University, but I missed distance running and the joy it gave me. In Spring 2019, I transferred to Towson University to run cross country and track, but I ultimately decided that Division 1 athletics was not for me. I entered the transfer portal for a second time in search of an institution with a rich history and a distance running tradition. In Spring 2021, I made the decision to enroll in the nursing program at Edinboro.

It was a good fit for me academically and athletically. Academically, I was looking for an institution with experienced and knowledgeable faculty, and Edinboro had that. I was also looking for a more personalized classroom experience, and Edinboro had that, too. Small class sizes allowed me to connect with my classmates, and my professors got to know me by name. Athletically, Edinboro offered a positive team atmosphere. Cross country and track were a family, and I didn’t feel like just a number.

I had plenty of support for my transition to Edinboro. My coach at the time facilitated contact with Admissions, the Nursing Department, and NCAA compliance. He was just as involved as I was in figuring out logistics. He really went the extra mile.

The Nursing Department helped me catch up to the cohort that had started in the fall prior to my transfer. The faculty were wonderful, and they worked with the university to set up an individualized study that winter to get me on track. As an upper-class transfer who had transferred once before, I was able to get on my feet quickly, and my academic advisors were a big help.