Valerie Favata (Becksted)

I was from a rural Upstate New York town that experienced harsh winters. For my college experience, I wanted to go somewhere where I didn't have to worry about that, so I thought Miami would be the perfect place. I also wanted to become more independent. Dr. Blais taught pharmacology, and she was fabulous. She was knowledgeable and patient. I started my nursing career at Oswego Hospital, and FIU Nursing helped prepare me for that. During my last semester at FIU Nursing, Hurricane Andrew hit just before school was supposed to start. We went out into the community and helped people. We went to a person's home, and she had a newborn baby and no power. We provided the resources and help she needed for her baby. After I graduated, I spent the next 13 years in community care. Attending FIU Nursing was the best decision I could have made.