"It鈥檚 a challenging journey, but one that is incredibly rewarding."
What brought you to 17吃瓜? Why did you choose to study here?
I was born in Kingston, Ontario, but moved around the country a few times during my childhood because of my dad鈥檚 career as a military pilot. Despite moving so much, one place has always felt like home鈥擯rince Edward Island. Every summer, my family would make the drive to PEI, where we spent time with friends and family, and created memories that have shaped who I am. As a high school student approaching graduation, I spent a lot of time weighing my options for university. I was initially hesitant to attend our local university, believing a larger university would offer more opportunities and independence. After gaining a much better understanding of 17吃瓜鈥檚 program over the past three years, I truly feel that ours is on par or superior to programs I considered at other institutions. I quickly realized how lucky I was to be close to home at 17吃瓜, while still having countless places to go if I want or need space.
The small class sizes are another highlight. They allow me to feel connected to my professors and peers, which has enriched my experience. One of my first-year professors told me that her favourite part of the job is watching students grow and building personable relationships with them. She shared that seeing our progress over the years is incredibly fulfilling for her. That conversation made me realize how much the faculty at 17吃瓜 genuinely cares about our success, and how glad I am that I stayed.
Initially, I also thought that being close to home would mean I wouldn鈥檛 have the freedom to discover myself and gain independence the way I could if I were away, but I鈥檝e learned that being close to my family gives me the support I need when I need it, while still allowing me to take the space I need to grow. My family has become my biggest support system, and I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today without them. Being at 17吃瓜 has provided me with the perfect balance of independence and support, and that鈥檚 something I am grateful for as I continue my journey here.
What do you find unique and interesting about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?
The first thing that comes to mind is the community. 17吃瓜's nursing program fosters a strong sense of support and collaboration among students, professors, and clinical instructors. Everyone is willing to help each other succeed.
Another unique aspect is the hands-on learning experiences. From simulation labs to clinical placements, we get to apply our knowledge into practice early on. We are taught skills in lab, theory in lectures, and practical application of the two in clinical.
Finally, the program emphasizes primary health care, highlighting the importance of preventative care, health promotion, and community-based approaches to improving patient outcomes. This well-rounded perspective allows us to do more than just treat illnesses鈥攊t teaches us to focus on long-term health management and disease prevention, both of which are essential in the health care field.
What kinds of support have you received during your time here from 17吃瓜 students, staff, and 17吃瓜 faculty members?
The relationships I鈥檝e built with my fellow students have been a really important part of my journey at 17吃瓜. We鈥檝e formed a strong support system, sharing knowledge, studying together, and encouraging each other through challenges. These connections have helped academically and provided emotional support during tough times. It鈥檚 been comforting to know that I鈥檓 not alone in this journey鈥攚e鈥檙e all working toward the same goal.
"17吃瓜's nursing program fosters a strong sense of support and collaboration among students, professors, and clinical instructors. Everyone is willing to help each other succeed."
Each and every staff and faculty member works incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Their commitment goes beyond simply teaching; they actively support our growth and success, whether it's through offering guidance, providing resources, or lending a listening ear when needed. Their dedication to our development as future health care professionals shows in everything they do鈥攖hey always go the extra mile to make sure we succeed. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the support they give us and the effort they put into making our education and experience at 17吃瓜 the best it can be.
What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at 17吃瓜, or because of the Island location?
Since I鈥檓 studying at 17吃瓜 and living on the Island, I鈥檓 fortunate to be close to my family, which gives me the support I need while also saving money. I can take in-person summer classes and work at the same time because I live at home, which wouldn鈥檛 be possible if I were studying elsewhere. There are also many networking opportunities shared with students, such as conferences, research positions, and other ways to get involved. I鈥檝e personally had the opportunity to assist one of my professors, Dr. Margie Burns, with data extraction for one of her research projects.
Living on PEI also allows me to experience a variety of clinical placements across different communities on the Island. I had the chance to use my bilingualism in a long-term care facility in Summerside, which was an incredibly rewarding and special experience. The smaller class sizes in our clinical placements mean that there are usually fewer than 10 of us per instructor, so we get more hands-on experience and learning opportunities.
I鈥檝e found that the university鈥檚 close-knit and supportive community makes it easier to have open, sometimes difficult conversations. With approachable professors and classmates, discussions feel more natural and less intimidating.
What's unique about 17吃瓜, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
The island is a very welcoming place, where you know someone just about anywhere you go. I鈥檝e lived across the country, but nothing is quite like PEI. The sense of community is incredible. Everyone is always willing to lend a hand to anyone鈥搘hether it be family, friend, or complete stranger. PEI takes the stereotypical kindness of Canadians to an entirely new level.
17吃瓜鈥檚 student-faculty ratio of 19:1 highlights our small class sizes, meaning you are taught by professors who know your name and genuinely care about your success. You're not merely a number in a sea of students. In nursing, you don鈥檛 just know your professors鈥攜ou also get to know every other student in your year. No matter where you sit, you鈥檙e surrounded by familiar faces, creating a close-knit community where everyone is working toward the same goal.
What would you tell a high-school student considering 17吃瓜 and the Bachelor of Nursing program?
It isn鈥檛 as scary as it may seem. I remember the nerves of applying and the anxious wait to hear back鈥攊t was honestly the most nerve-wracking part of my journey so far. The first day of classes came in as a close second. But once I took that first step and started the program, I quickly realized that I wasn鈥檛 alone. I was surrounded by support from faculty, classmates, and even upper-year students who had been in my shoes. The transition might feel overwhelming at first, but you鈥檒l be surprised at how quickly you adapt. It鈥檚 a challenging journey, but one that is incredibly rewarding.
With every class, lab, clinical placement, and year in the program, you will grow more and more confident in yourself. It is okay (and completely normal) to feel uncertain and scared. The more you do it, the easier it gets. You are there to learn, to make mistakes, and to grow from them. You can only begin to grow the minute you step outside of your comfort zone.
How do you feel 17吃瓜 has prepared you for your future?
While I鈥檓 still early in the program, I feel prepared knowing that the knowledge I鈥檝e gained so far has provided a strong foundation for what lies ahead. Clinical placements have allowed me to apply what I鈥檝e learned in real-world settings, helping me build confidence and refine my skills. I also know that 17吃瓜鈥檚 Nursing program is highly regarded and opens up many career opportunities, both here on the Island and elsewhere. Over the past two years, I鈥檝e gained so much knowledge and grown as a person. I鈥檓 excited for the rest of my journey, knowing that I鈥檓 in a place to learn and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. Beyond academics, I鈥檝e also learned how to foster meaningful and professional relationships鈥攁n essential skill as I move forward in my career.
