Shining student Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson (BSc '22) took a bold step when she applied to study at ULethbridge. She was to be the first in her family to attend post-secondary school. After majoring in kinesiology, Sarah changed her focus after doing an independent research study that involved people with Parkinson's disease.
This study allowed me to take on a clinician-like role where I saw the impact that the research had on participants' quality of life. This was the moment when my career goals began to align with health care.
Meet Sarah | Calm. Diligent. Independent.
Program: Bachelor of Nursing After Degree program
Why did you choose ULethbridge?
Growing up, I never thought attending post-secondary school was attainable or realistic due to the significant financial hardship my family faced. No one in my immediate or extended family had ever pursued higher education, so the idea of attending university felt completely out of reach. However, over time, I began to see education as my opportunity to break the cycle of generational poverty.
One day in June, feeling stuck in my small hometown, I started to research universities. ULethbridge happened to be the only school still accepting applications — with just two days left until the deadline. I took it as a sign. I applied that day and received my acceptance the next morning! It was a very spontaneous and fearful decision, but it has opened doors that I never imagined could exist for someone like me.
What motivated you to study nursing?
In the second year of my previous undergraduate degree, I performed an independent research study viewing the impact of a prescribed walking program on postural instability related to Parkinson's disease. This study allowed me to take on a clinician-like role where I saw the impact the research had on participants' quality of life. This was the moment when my career goals began to align with health care.
How have your professors impacted your education?
My professors and clinical instructors have always pushed me to think critically and advocate for myself and others. They've not only shaped what I know, but also shown me the kind of nurse I want to be.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
There have been far too many memorable experiences throughout my six years at Ulethbridge, but I am especially grateful for all the friendships I have developed along the way. So many amazing people have truly shaped my university experience.
In your free time, what do you like to do?
It feels as though I pick up a new hobby every season... Currently, I am diving into golf, but I have always enjoyed hiking, mountain biking and gravel biking.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I want to continue gaining knowledge and experience in critical care nursing — my hopes are to one day become an expert in the field and pass on knowledge to future nurses and students. I also have an interest in surgery and would love to eventually dabble in that field!
National Nursing Week is around the corner — what do you wish everyone knew about nurses and nursing?
Ideally, I would love for every person to shadow a working nurse for a day, as I believe the field is widely misunderstood. Nurses play such an important role in health care, it is almost impossible to try to describe their narrative. Maybe I just wish everyone knew how to remind people in health care how incredible and insane their work is.