News & Events

Laura Sweeney
BSN Student

“Leadership is really powerful. Being a student leader is something I believe in – it shows me the pathway and I can help show other students how to be in the nursing field and how to find out things, even in challenging ethical situations.

When I was a pre-nursing student someone talked to me about the Student Nursing Association, and I ended up going to one of the meetings. The president took me in, and I looked to her as a leader – she was like my preceptor in my nursing career. She inspired me and that’s what I want to do – show someone how to find externships, jobs, people, connections, events – basically show someone the pathway into nursing.

When I first started, I wanted to make sure the kinds of classes we were taking really related to real life nursing. And I found out they are. UIC is good because the curriculum follows what nurses do.

I take charge more now, by being a leader. I can make decisions – not easier, but quicker. I have more experience taking charge. If I’m in a group of students and the instructor asks a question, I can answer faster. If it’s wrong, I’ll learn from it.

I love being around people, communicating with people, working with them. All the volunteering and service work I do through the Student Nursing Association has taught me how to be involved with people.”