Miriam '22

Student Appreciates Donors for Helping Her to Succeed
as She Prepares to Help Others for a Lifetime

A nursing major from the suburbs of Chicago near the Wisconsin border, Miriam '22 values all that Berea and its donors have offered her. From her labor positions, to study groups, to her clinical rotation and beyond, she shares that high-quality learning opportunities are plentiful at Berea.

Working as a Facilities Assistant her first semester and then as a Circulation Assistant at Hutchins Library for a few semesters helped her build good study habits, learn time management and elevate her communication style. These work assignments also served as a way to establish friendships and mentorships. "I've enjoyed my time in the Labor Program," said Miriam. "I've learned through my positions to handle a lot of work and academics at the same time. I've also learned good communications skills, and that's really important in nursing," such as "how you communicate with parents or with the patients, or with doctors and other nurses," said Miriam.

Miriam is one of six daughters in her family, and her interest in the nursing field started after learning about her older sister's job as a medical technician at a hospital as well as discovering that her favorite class in high school was anatomy. The family was experiencing financial challenges during her college search, and her mom encouraged her to research Berea College. Her mother was familiar with the College and its mission because she briefly spent time in Lexington, Kentucky, as part of her own studies. Miriam and her family visited Berea College and toured campus to learn about its offerings. After learning how strong the College's nursing program is and participating in Berea's Summer Connections program, she knew that Berea College was the place for her.

"One of the best learning experiences I've had at Berea is when I went through the labor and delivery nursing clinical my junior year," said Miriam. "I was assigned a clinical instructor who had years of experience working on the same labor and delivery unit. She worked individually with students and assigned patients who would best fit our learning needs."

"Caring for a mother and baby couplet taught me adult and pediatric nursing skills in one assignment," said Miriam. "I've always known I wanted to work in pediatric nursing, but this clinical confirmed my ability and passion to do so. This clinical was the most exciting, helpful, and encouraging learning experience I've had with Berea."

Miriam's dream is to become a pediatric nurse and bring quality, personal care to children in her hometown. "I believe God has given me a calling to care for others as a nurse, and this has motivated me to work hard in my studies. It is Berea College's donors who have put me on the path toward my goal and I am very thankful," said Miriam.

"I understand funding expands students' academic opportunities and prepares them for prodigious careers," said Miriam. In addition to the benefit of the Tuition Promise Scholarship, she experienced a donor's generosity when receiving her stethoscope and clinical tools during the White Coat Ceremony her sophomore year. "That was the best day of my life because you have this whole ceremony, and a donor actually bought clinical sets with our tools and stethoscopes for everyone in our cohort. I have used mine every semester since."

"I am ever grateful for the donors' support toward Berea College and the nursing program," said Miriam. "It is their investment that allows students to learn, graduate, and succeed in a career. Such generosity has seen me through Berea's nursing program and hopefully into a future in pediatric nursing."