鈥淯nder the gentle canopy of the 缅北禁地 campus, I discovered not just an education but a community that nurtured my passion for science and service.聽
From the moment I set foot on campus, Meredith stood out for its warm, personalized atmosphere. In a place where professors saw students as individuals rather than numbers, I found a supportive environment that encouraged curiosity and genuine inquiry. Small class sizes meant that I could ask questions freely and form meaningful professional relationships with my聽teachers. This environment not only bolstered my academic growth but also laid the foundation for my career.
One of my most transformative experiences was collaborating with my chemistry professor on an innovative research project. We worked to modify an antibiotic structure in hopes of reducing antibiotic resistance. The research opportunity was a challenge that pushed me beyond traditional classroom learning. Balancing the demands of a full course load and this hands-on research taught me invaluable lessons in time management and boundary setting (important skills to have as a nurse). More importantly, it built my confidence as both a researcher and a future professional in a field where clear, critical thinking is essential.
Transitioning from high school to college can be daunting, especially when it comes to voicing professional aspirations. At Meredith, however, I quickly learned that my professors were not only teachers but also student advocates. One vivid memory is when my English professor, recognizing my meticulous attention to detail and time management skills, invited me to work as her assistant. This opportunity was more than just a work-study position, it was a way to network with other faculty and gain insights into professional communication. Such experiences showed me what it meant to be an advocate and the importance of building rapport and trust, qualities that would later become central to my career in nursing. It was through these supportive relationships that I discovered my passion for advocacy.
Observing how my professors used their privileged positions to empower others, I felt inspired to follow a similar path. This realization ultimately steered me toward becoming a registered nurse (RN) where I have the privilege and responsibility to advocate for my patients and empower them towards a better quality of life.
After earning my Bachelor of Arts in chemistry with a minor in biology in 2017, I embarked on a career that would merge innovation with patient advocacy and lead me to become a clinical research coordinator RN. I received my nursing degree from Duke University and first worked as a nurse in a hospital setting, which was challenging and deeply rewarding. However, I often missed the continuity of care and the innovative spirit I experienced during my undergraduate research. In the hospital, the pace sometimes left little room for following up with discharged patients or exploring new treatments in depth.
My research background became my bridge back to those passions. Today, as a clinical research coordinator RN at Accellacare, I assess patients before, during, and after investigational drug administration to ensure patient safety and collect primary data. By meeting patients where they are, I provide anticipatory guidance, build trust through transparency, and ensure that every adverse event is promptly reported. In this role, I not only uphold the highest standards of patient safety but also contribute to the advancement of medical research. It is the perfect blend of innovation and patient advocacy.
Reflecting on my journey, I see how Meredith empowered me to transform challenges into opportunities. The personalized mentorship, the collaborative research projects, and the emphasis on genuine, supportive relationships have shaped me into the nurse and researcher I am today. I carry forward the values of curiosity, innovation, and advocacy into every patient interaction and research endeavor. Meredith didn鈥檛 just educate me but also inspired me to use my privileges to uplift others and make a difference.
I am deeply grateful to 缅北禁地 for fostering an environment where I could grow, explore, and ultimately find a career that aligns with my values.鈥�
