Meilyn Medina

I decided to become a pediatric nurse because I would go to appointments with my younger sister and mom when I was little, and it was interesting to me. FIU Nursing was near my home and was affordable compared to the other options I was considering. I felt like the program had a good timeline; it wasn't rushed or too long. I felt like it was the best fit for me. I went to school in the middle of when COVID-19 happened, so it was a unique experience. It took a lot of discipline and planning because the classes were online. A lot of that involved figuring out what was going on at home and making sure I had a good environment to study. The professors were helpful and flexible, given the time that we were going to school in. In the group of friends I was surrounded by, we helped each other a lot. Given the circumstances, it was the best it could have been. Graduation was luckily in person but with a lot of restrictions. It was great; I felt accomplished. My family and boyfriend went, and it was a good time. I would tell people to be disciplined, don't procrastinate, and find a good support system. Whether it's friends, family, or professors, a good support system is all someone needs when things get tough.