Sophia Rosa knows the impact a dedicated nurse can make, and she’s determined to be that difference for children and families. A member of the Women’s Golf team and President of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, Sophia balances athletics, leadership, and academics with the poise of someone already thinking like a healthcare professional. “I chose to study nursing because of the impact I want to make on the pediatric population,” she said.
Her path at Walsh University has been shaped by both challenge and opportunity. As a member of the Honors Program, Sophia is currently working on her thesis under Dr. Jennifer Clevinger while also serving as the Senior Student Assistant for the program, collaborating with Dr. Clevinger and Dr. Nina Rytwinski. These experiences have honed her research skills and strengthened her leadership abilities. “Walsh’s sense of community has allowed me to develop into leadership roles,” she explained.
Sophia’s dedication extends beyond academics and athletics into hands-on learning and community engagement. From leading her peers in the Student Athlete Advisory Council to coordinating events with the Nursing Club, she has found ways to put her classroom knowledge into practice. “Walsh has played a crucial role in giving me opportunities to see various hospital systems and specialties in the area, while also offering a rigorous, but rewarding academic program that has allowed me to build my skills,” she said. These experiences have allowed her to grow not only as a student and athlete but also as a compassionate leader ready to serve others.
Beyond the classroom, Sophia’s involvement in the Nursing Club as Vice-President and on campus as a student-athlete has allowed her to build meaningful connections. “The amount of quality, resourceful connections and friendships I have been able to form while being here is incredible,” she said. Whether supporting fundraising events, volunteering, or mentoring peers, Sophia exemplifies servant leadership at every turn.
Sophia also credits her family and the Walsh community for keeping her grounded and motivated. “My family is a big driver of my work ethic. Having a strong support system has always been something I’ve been extremely grateful for,” she said. Those connections inspire her every day, whether she’s learning in the classroom, mentoring peers, or caring for patients in clinical settings. “Interacting with ill and recovering patients, whether it be children or adults, motivates me to learn all that I can within my schooling in order to better serve any and all patients that cross paths with me,” Sophia explained.
With her time at Walsh preparing her for the challenges ahead, Sophia looks forward to beginning her career at Akron Children’s Hospital and eventually pursuing graduate studies in advanced nursing specialties, whether as a CRNA, nurse practitioner, or flight nurse. Through every role and responsibility, she carries the lessons of service, leadership, and community that Walsh University has helped her cultivate, ready to make a difference in every patient’s life she touches.
