“I think during a pandemic is the perfect and the worst time to start nursing school. Nursing is one of the most demanding professions in America today, and COVID-19 has especially made me realize why I chose this career. No, it isn’t because my parents wanted me to pursue a job in healthcare. It was common for most Asian households to dream of their children becoming big-time doctors as they believe it was the one and only way to be successful and to live comfortably. So, it wasn’t a surprise that they weren’t ecstatic when I told them I no longer wanted to be pre-med and switched to be a nursing major. I had switched during the end of my sophomore year which was later than most of my peers who were already heading to nursing school by the next semester. My parents were stressed and concerned over how financially comfortable I would be as a nurse. I understood their concerns, but I’m unfazed by the fact that nurses make less money than doctors because I believe this career is just as important and needed. I think I will be perfectly fine and happy with my decision in the future. Even with their concerns, I am fortunate to still have their support for what I wanted to do. I am thrilled to say that this upcoming fall I will be attending an amazing nursing school! I’m pretty anxious about how I will deal with time management and stress, not to mention the cost of attending a nursing school in a big city. Regardless of the obstacles, I am optimistic about the profession I want to pursue. I’ve always wanted to work in the NICU, but recently I have become more interested in pediatric oncology. The pandemic is not the most ideal time financially, to start nursing school, but it has made me more confident in my career choice. I’m thankful for always having the support of those around me and I’m ready to start my dream.”

– Lyndsey Nguyen, Mercer 1st year| Got her first stethoscope, and it has her name on it!