For Isaiah Jackson, a rising senior, his Catholic faith has been a source of strength, motivation and belonging throughout his college years. As someone who has always been interested in the medical field and wanting to make a difference in people’s lives, Isaiah chose Walsh University’s Byers School of Nursing program because it’s a reputable program at a Catholic university.
While he takes his faith seriously, and expects it will be an important factor in the quality of spiritual care he can provide patients in his care, he believes he’s grown both academically and spiritually at Walsh.
“Going to Mass has impacted me because I have become a lot closer to God this past year,” Isaiah said.
In addition to his major in nursing, Isaiah is also active in intramural sports, and he attends weekly student activities on campus including sporting events.
“Being involved on campus can make your college experience much better; everyone supports each other,” Isaiah said. “My advice to new students is to get out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and get involved on campus, and it will make college a positive, enriching experience.”
As he reflects on the past three years in nursing, a challenging yet rewarding program, he recognizes it has taught him to deal with adversity, to think critically and to manage high-pressure situations. Participating in clinical rotations has given him hands-on learning, helped him achieve personal goals and given him the opportunity to choose a meaningful and fulfilling career path.
“I want to make a positive impact in the world by helping others and being supportive,” Isaiah said. “I love to meet new people and put a smile on their faces.”
After graduation, he plans to gain valuable work experience as he prepares for graduate school to continue his education and become a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
