2008-2011
What have you been doing with your life since graduating from Youth2Youth?
I spent 6.5 years in college, studied abroad twice, moved to South Carolina from Wisconsin, transferred universities twice, & graduated with a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. I am now a registered nurse in critical care at a non-profit hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.
What are you most proud of?
I am the first person in my family to graduate from college.
How have skills you learned in Youth2Youth helped you in your life beyond Youth2Youth?
I gained experience in educating the local community & I have used those skills every single day in nursing when I educate my patients & my community members in Columbia. I learned the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes and as a result I have chosen to never pick up a cigarette in my life. I educated my father, who has smoked or 45+ years, & he has chosen to quit. I gained public speaking skills, which I used to advocate for the nursing profession while studying health care in Germany.
What advice would you give to today’s Youth2Youth members?
Continue to participate in Y2Y & advocate for their advancement. I gained several skills from participating in Y2Y, and I had so much fun while doing it.
