Shanyce Thomas, BSN, RN

FIU had a Veteran's Nursing Program, which was a fast-track program for veterans who already had an associate's degree. I always love being around my veteran peers, and getting to go through one of the hardest undergraduate programs with them was very fun. We were able to connect our real-life experience in healthcare to the Nursing Program, and it made for a more relatable experience. My brother is a pediatric cancer survivor, and that really sparked my interest in healthcare. I took a course with Dr. Andrea Archer, and she was amazing. Her experience and knowledge helped shape me as a nurse. I look at her as a mentor and an icon. I hope to follow in her footsteps. Marquay Smith worked in the Veterans Affairs Office, and he was very knowledgeable about different opportunities and programs for veterans. I was a part of the Student Veterans of America on campus. I got to meet other veterans who weren't in the Nursing Program. I currently am working as a pediatric nurse.