UArizona Nursing Student Crowned Homecoming Queen 2019
Nov. 18, 2019
Congratulations to University of Arizona College of Nursing student Brigid Clark, a native of Lake Fox, Illinois, who was crowned Homecoming 2019 Queen on November 1st.
Take a minute to learn more about Brigid and her Wildcat Nurse journey!
Why did you choose a career in nursing?
As cliché as it sounds, I feel like nursing chose me. I never grew up wanting to be a nurse or always knowing I would end up pursing this career, but I did know that I had a passion for helping others. As soon as I discovered the variety of opportunities within nursing, I immediately knew there was so much room for growth and I have felt a calling ever since. I love nursing because you are constantly learning and constantly growing. Every day is different, and every day gives you the opportunity to impact a life which is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my life.
Why did you choose Arizona Nursing?
I chose Arizona Nursing because of their remarkable reputation. As soon as I heard that they approach their curriculum with a holistic view – I was sold! I really love that they incorporate integrative nursing into the program as well as promote diversity and inclusion.
What does being crowned Homecoming Queen mean to you?
To me, being named Homecoming Queen is far beyond just the title. I am so honored to be able to represent my on-campus involvement and the College of Nursing. The support I have received from both faculty and my peers, has reminded me how lucky I am to be a part of this college. Never in a million years would I have thought that as a first-generation college student from a small town in Illinois, would I be in the place I am today. With significant gratitude I can say, I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life and always remember the impact the University of Arizona had on me.
What features of your program are you especially passionate about?
I am extremely passionate about helping underserved populations, hence my decision to pursue the Peace Corps after graduation. However, this passion extends into every rotation throughout this program. Generally, it has been so gratifying being able to care for people of many backgrounds and cultures in their most vulnerable state. Additionally, I really am passionate about the pediatric population and how integrative nursing can really change a child’s fearful experience in a hospital/foreign setting. It has been so fun learning creative and fun ways to make a child comfortable and build trust within their nurses and providers.
Share your favorite memory from your time at Nursing
My favorite memory at the College of Nursing was when myself along with other ANIE students volunteered and helped with pharm camp for middle schoolers over the summer. It was so much fun to be able to teach and inspire young kids to not only attend college, but possibly pursue nursing! We taught them about the opioid crisis and had them participate in a mock code simulation due to opioid overdose, how to swaddle babies, and how to take vitals. I love working with kids, so it was really fun to answer their questions and teach them about the nursing profession.
What are your goals/plans for the future?
As of right now I plan to serve in the Peace Corps as a maternal and child health educator. Upon my return, I plan to utilize my skills in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Eventually it is my goal to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and work in areas of low income and low resources to carry on my passion of helping underserved populations!