I’ve always had the desire to help others and care for vulnerable populations, such as children and their families, who wouldn’t be able to heal without the provision of quality health care.
Meet Mich: Enthusiastic. Compassionate. Empathetic. Driven.
Program: Bachelor of Nursing After Degree program
What motivated you to study nursing?
I’ve always had the desire to help others and care for vulnerable populations, such as children and their families, who wouldn’t be able to heal without the provision of quality health care. Additionally, I’ve always been motivated by the nursing profession’s capacity to make a direct impact on the livelihood of the people they care for and witness the influence of client-centred care that is conducive to the needs and recovery pathway of the patient. Lastly, I find it fascinating to be part of a noble profession that combines my passion for medicine and the ability to work within a diverse environment that challenges my critical-thinking skills and later receive the sense of fulfillment for helping others become a better and healthier version of themselves.
Why did you choose ULethbridge?
I remember briefly looking into the Faculty of Health Science’s mission statement on the University of Lethbridge website and was drawn by their investment in ensuring that students are supported by a positive learning environment that not only supports students within classroom settings, but also throughout their journey into professional practice. It supplemented my previous knowledge from other successful ULethbridge alumni who praised the university for providing quality education. Additionally, I’ve always known about the inviting culture of the city of Lethbridge, as well as its sense of community and togetherness, which definitely proved itself upon meeting members of the faculty throughout my time at the university and within professional clinical settings such as Chinook Regional Hospital.
How have your professors impacted your education?
My professors, including both theory and clinical instructors, have had a profound impact on my education and the way I practice nursing today. I’ve been so fortunate to learn from these highly educated individuals, to whom I owe a huge part of my academic success. All the faculty members have been truly supportive throughout my nursing journey, and every individual I’ve met has impacted my practice through theoretical concepts or the practical aspect of the NESA program (i.e., clinical rotations). They have created an unforgettable experience for me during my time at the University of Lethbridge, and I will forever cherish and carry the advice, the lessons, and the knowledge they’ve imparted on me as a future nurse.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
My most memorable ULethbridge experience has to have been meeting lifelong friends within my nursing program and staying connected with previous instructors who’ve truly made me the nurse I’ve developed into since starting the nursing program. Another memorable experience has got to be the number of hours I’ve spent in the library studying for my exams and completing my assignments - I don't know what I would’ve done without the 24-hour section of the library!
In your free time, what do you like to do?
I enjoy living an active lifestyle, whether that's going to the gym to lift weights or running outdoors. I am grateful to have started the Lethbridge Run Club with a few friends since the Summer of 2024, as it enabled me to transform my passion for running into a community with like-minded people who are striving to better themselves through the pursuit of fitness. I also love to tap into my musical abilities and sing and play the guitar whenever I get the chance. Lastly, I love spending quality time with my family or friends, whether it’s over a cup of coffee or exploring the city for food and restaurants.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
My hopes and plans for the near future are to work in critical care and advance my knowledge and profession within pediatric nursing. However, my passion for nursing recently ignited my drive to one day practice medicine as a Physician Assistant (PA). Although this seems like a mile away, I believe that putting out your hopes and dreams into the universe means they will always find their way back to you – and hopefully, one day, it’ll become a reality!
National Nursing Week is around the corner — what do you wish everyone knew about nurses and nursing?
This is a loaded question! I wish for everyone to know that most, if not all, of the nurses you will encounter are truly rooted in the desire to help others get better. It is truly a gift to realize that nurses are willing to work countless hours to ensure patients and their families leave the hospital better than when they first came in.