College/Department: Birkam Health Center
Title: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Office: Birkham Health Center 116
Phone: (231) 591-5963
Email: [email protected]
- Undergraduate Institution: Ferris State University
- Undergraduate Major(s) & Degree(s) Achieved: Bachelors of Science in Nursing
- Graduate Institution(s): University of Cincinnati
- Graduate Major(s) & Degree(s) Achieved: Masters of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner in Women's Health
Questions for Christy
ARE YOU A FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT?
No
WHAT SUPPORT SYSTEM OR MENTORS DID YOU HAVE IN COLLEGE?
My parents and family were very supportive. I was also a college athlete and surrounded by other college athletes who had to balance the stressors of school and competing in sports. Being competitive and having the drive to succeed came very natural to me. I had great coaches and advisors who pushed me along the way.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU KNOW NOW, THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU WERE IN COLLEGE?
B's and C's get degrees too. Of course you want to try your best and work towards an A, but in the end you get the same sheet of paper. Especially for someone like myself, who strives for "perfection", I think realizing not to put so much pressure on yourself actually improves academic success and mental health.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR A FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT PURSUING A DEGREE AT FERRIS?
Coming in to college, I think it is very important to have a general sense of what field of study you wish to pursue. You may not know the exact degree per say, but knowing what you are in to can make a world of difference and cut costs tremendously. Knowing you want to do something in the health field vs. going into plastics or engineering so that you aren't "wasting time" and paying for classes you can't put towards your degree in the end. High school/college prep courses I think really help with this.