2025 Graduate Spotlights

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio Chillicothe because I was blessed to receive a full tuition scholarship. I decided to follow my dreams while staying close to home!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My ah-ha moment at Ohio Chillicothe was when I found my place in the Social Work cohort. Our graduating class of Social Workers numbers eight, including myself. Many of us have had the same classes throughout the years, and we have become close friends. There is a sense of community with this group of students and faculty. With their support, and support from my professors, Stacey and Nikki, I knew that I would get through. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Stacey Saunders-Adams and Professor Nikki Priest have both taught me so much about social work. They have not only taught me the ins and outs of social work practice, but they have shown me the power of hard work, how to advocate for vulnerable populations, kindness, and so much more.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I have had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe is balancing work, school, and an internship. Many weeks are long and definitely not easy, but with support from family and friends, I have made it through the past couple of years!

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite Ohio Chillicothe memories are the ones spent with friends and professors in the social work cohort. We love to get together after class to celebrate birthdays, baby showers, etc.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would tell a new Ohio Chillicothe student to not miss the events put on at OHIO Chillicothe. It's a small school, but it has a big community of faculty that are there to support you. Events like Spring Fling, Bobcat Blitz, spring cookouts, etc. are huge to connect with professors and students that will make your life at OHIO Chillicothe the best it can be.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My next steps for the future are to become a Licensed Social Worker! I am currently an intern at National Church Residences Hospice, and I have loved every step of the journey. I hope to find a career where I can help vulnerable populations and change lives. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It was part of my community.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
When I passed my mental health final.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Lindsey Shotts and Britney Hamman pushed me to keep going and not to give up. They are a fresh of breath air with their positive personality and always there to cheer you on.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Passing mental health, by not giving up and studing extra hard.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Taking this journey of nursing school with my best friend Alayna Storer.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don't miss out on all they fun things to do on campus.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To start my career as a nurse and get my BSN.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it is an easy commute, which allows me to stay close to friends and family.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My "ah-ha" moment was when I started student teaching. This allowed me to recall information that I learned in my classes to teach and connect with my students. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I have had a lot of wonderful professors during my time at OHIO Chillicothe. Some professors that I had multiple times and have supported me through my college experience are Amy Wolfe, Jeanie Dalton and Maryjo Flamm-Miller. They acknowledged that we are not only students, but adults. Which relates to other responsibilities. They made sure that we were given enough time on all of our assignments and made sure they were not overloading us with content by evening out the materials. They also made sure their students were comfortable in their classrooms and were always willing to help in anyway possible.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe was preparing for my Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams and creating my edTPA portfolio. I overcame these challenges with the guidance and support of my professors and mentor teacher. This allowed me to receive passing scores.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memory at OHIO Chillicothe is meeting my friends. They have been such a blessing to have throughout my college experience. We collaborate during class and out of class, which allowed us to become very close. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would tell new students to make sure they interact in class. This assists in creating a positive classroom environment and could lead to making life-long friends.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I recently became employed at Greenfield Elementary School as a first grade teacher. My goal is create a positive classroom environment and build relationships with the staff members.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it is so conveniently located close to home and has also been easier to finance. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My "ah-ha" moment was after I finished my first semester with high marks in all my classes. I am non-traditional student, and returned almost ten years after dropping out in my teens. I was really nervous coming back, but getting through that first semester really motivated me.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Suzanne Cromlish has taught a lot of my courses and gave me confidence in my work. She is always so positive and reassuring.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb was matching with an internship that would both fulfill my required hours, but also work around my work and class schedule. Sarah Dreitzler-Swenson, our career development coordinator worked with me to fine tune my resume and I eventually found my placement. The next hill was trying to find balance between an internship, classes, two jobs, and my family. I thank our Student Services staff (Dr. Ashlee Tatman, Beth Barnes, Martha Tanedo, and Sarah Leatherwood) for their moral support and unbiased advice that has helped to push me. My family has been a huge help, and my biggest supporters on this journey. Thank you for believing in me!

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite tradition here at the Chillicothe Campus is the Welcome Week cookout. I love seeing the flood of new students exploring campus, meeting with community partners, and winning OHIO swag, of course. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would suggest to a new student not to miss the chance to join some of the student-led organizations and clubs. It's a great way to explore new interests, serve your community, or just make new friends.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My goal after graduation is to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA). 

Why did you choose Ohio University Chillicothe?
I Heard nothing but good things from the graduates. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life? Professor Hamman and Professor Shotts were truly life changers. They put nursing into words that could be described and explained everything in such a easy way for me to understand

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”? After passing Pharmacology 2

What was the hardest hill you have had to climb as a student? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? Studying during the summer...everyone was out having fun and going on vacations and we did not get that. 

What are your favorite OHIO memories? Everything with clinicals and labs, all the people who surround me are amazing and make this so much fun

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss? Don’t miss the coffee at the Coffee Hub and Cafe.

How do you plan to put your social work degree to work?/What are your next steps or plans for the future? Work at Adena 3B & go back to school to get my CRNA (nurse anesthetist credentials).

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
The people are very nice and the application process was very easy. It's right down the street from my home.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Going over my DARS (Degree Audit Reports System) Report and seeing I needed only 3 more classes to get my Associates. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Sam Kizer. He's passionate about his class and makes it easy to succeed. He gave me extra time when I had a personal situation and wasn't able to complete a test on time. He's very compassionate and understanding. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Getting into a routine to get my work done on time while also keeping up with sports and two kids. I kept pushing and made time even if it meant losing sleep or not having much free time. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
The many things I learned in my classes especially anthropology. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Use the resources that are given to you. Don't think you have to do this all on your own. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future? I'm continuing my studies to get a Bachelor of Social Work degree. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Close to home and advisor was very helpful.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
When I passed all my math classes!

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Tanya Hire and Michael Schor. Tanya is also my advisor and she is the reason I was able to go back to school and obtain my degree. She assisted me, answered tons of questions, and worked with me when life got in the way of my online classes. Michael Schor made classes like statics understandable and assisted with teams meetings and answering questions quickly.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Arranging my schedule to meet each professors deadlines. I bought a planner, talked to my kids and just went for it.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
All the assistance I received with classes and scheduling.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Write everything down so nothing gets by you.

What are your next steps or plans for the future? Enjoy my education and promote in my career

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe? I have family that live close by and I liked how the class sizes are smaller for more hands-on learning. It was the best decision I ever made. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
Since I was a transfer student I came to OHIO Chillicothe in August of 2023. Once I began my senior practicum I knew I was right where I needed to be. Everything started falling together for me and I knew I made the right decision in my career and academic choice. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Stacey Saunders-Adam’s and Nikki Priest. They have helped me so much in my development as a soon-to-be social worker and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe was moving away from my parents, becoming more independent during one of the most significant times of my life was very difficult for me but I wouldn’t change it for anything. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories include being with my cohort. We are a small class so we are all very tight knit and we have had so much fun together during our time together. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Be sure to go to all of the fun events that OHIO Chillicothe offers. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future? I plan to start grad school a few weeks after graduation and to find a job as well once I get my LSW. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because I sought a higher education within the community where I plan to practice. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!"?
If I’m being honest, during my experience in college I did not have an “Ah-ha” moment where I felt as though, “I’ve got this.” I simply leaned on the Lord’s understanding and trusted in his authority and promise over my life.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professor is Professor Angel Hardiesty-Kelley because she has driven each of her students to the highest of their potential while providing support that mirrors that of excellence in nursing. Hardiesty’s steadfast commitment to truth, moral justice, and the core values of nursing—compassion, integrity, and advocacy— has left a lasting impression of what it truly means to strive for greatness in the nursing profession for me and all future nurses. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The most difficult challenge I faced during my experience at OHIO Chillicothe was navigating situations where I didn’t always feel fully seen or supported. There were moments where I had to work harder to advocate for myself and prove my place, which could be discouraging. However, those experiences taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for others. I leaned on my support system and stayed focused on my long-term goals. Ultimately, I grew stronger and more determined—and I carry that mindset with me in everything I do! 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories while attending OHIO Chillicothe are centered around the wonderful time I had while tutoring in the writing center! Being able to enjoy the art of the English language while helping others was pure bliss for me. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
If you’re coming to OHIO Chillicothe to do nursing, one thing I’d suggest not missing is SNOC (Student Nursing Organization of Chillicothe) meetings! You’ll have so much fun and connect with other nursing students who have been in your shoes. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?My plans for the future are the same as they’ve always been: to care for all those around me to the highest of my potential; the rest is God’s Plan! 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It was close to home, and they offered so many options for me to pursue higher education.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!"?
Passing third fall semester and knowing that I’ve made it to the final stretch.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors were Lindsey Shotts and Britney Hamman. These two are an absolute blessing to anyone who has the opportunity to be their student. They are both so kind and pour so much of their time into our education. I truly couldn’t have done it without either one of them! 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
One of my hardest hills was almost failing a class, and I immediately reevaluated how I was going to approach the upcoming semester so I never put myself into the predicament again.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Making lifelong friendships that I’ll always cherish! Also the improv Christmas party with my classmates and Professor Lindsey Shotts. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The activities the campus offers, and a chance to better yourself! I wish I participated in more. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?Furthering my education and working at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I choose OHIO Chillicothe for the proximity to my home and affordability. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!"?
Interning at Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center. I just fell in love with advocacy and I knew social work was right for me. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Nikki Priest and Stacey Saunders-Adams. They really empowered us to be strong advocates. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest thing for me was balancing working full time, school, and an internship. I just surrounded myself with people who supported and empowered me. And took time for self care. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Getting to know my cohort and making life long friends. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Getting to know other students.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?I just accepted a job as a legal advocate in the domestic violence and stalking unit at a prosecutors office in Franklin County.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because of the affordable tuition, and being able to live and work locally while completing my degree. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors were Professor Shotts and Dr. Leadingham. These two ladies have help shape me into the person I am today and the nurse I will be in the future. They are great professors and people, they both deserve all the recognition! Both of them dedicate so much time into their courses, and really care about their students and our education. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Senior year, end of fall semester! Getting past most of my classes and only having one semester left! 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Learning how to transition from high school studying to college studying. I overcame this challenge by using all of the resources available, meeting with my professors and having study groups with my friends.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories are Craft Night with Dr. Leadingham and all of the food carry-ins my nursing cohort had! 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not miss the beginning and end of semester bashes/cookouts, they are always fun and super nice to begin and end a semester on a good note! 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?My next steps after graduation are to take my NCLEX this summer and begin working as an Registered Nurse.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio University Chillicothe because of the amazing nursing program they offered

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!"?
When I completed all my courses and started my capstone

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Hamman and Professor Shotts both provided support and guidance when at times, it seemed impossible. Their dedication to the students success is rare and because of that, I will always be extremely grateful. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Somethings are out of your control. Remember to focus on the now and everything else will fall into place.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would recommend joining the Student Nursing Organization of Chillicothe (SNOC)

What are your next steps or plans for the future?I start at Nationwide Children's Hospital in the Pediatric ICU this summer.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio University Chillicothe because I wanted to commute and have the least amount of student loans as possible. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
My ah-ha moment happened after getting through the first couple semesters of nursing school and learning how to adapt to the amount of time and effort of necessary to do well.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
All of the professors have been so helpful and supportive of us students but the professors that stand out the most to me are Professor Leadingham and Professor Shotts. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest part for me was learning how to make time for things that I enjoyed outside of school. As I went through the program I learned better time management and studying skills and this helped a lot. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories from are going on TJ Maxx runs in between classes with my friends. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would tell them to not miss out on making memories with friends before graduation because the friendships you form in college are some of the best you’ll ever have. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My plan after graduation is to learn more about psychiatric nursing and eventually go back to get my masters. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO because I am originally from Athens County, Ohio. Being a Bobcat has always been in my blood. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
After I passed statistics. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Ms. Preece, Mr. Gore and Ms. Priest; Ms. Preece went above and beyond to help me throughout my time in the Human Services Technology Program. She is the true definition of a "Human Services Worker" and has extreme compassion and networking skills. Mr. Gore spoke intelligently about how humans behave and carried excellent conversation and was always willing to listen. Ms. Priest is also a natural born social worker and taught me so much in my program that I will enter in this summer of 2025.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Statistics! I did tutoring, I reached out to my teacher Ms. Lang and effectively communicated everything. Communication is key, and most people are willing to work with you. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My classes with Ms. priest and Mr. Gore and having time to sit in the cafeteria and just be grateful for the world around me. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don’t miss out on the opportunities or support groups you can be apart of. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I will enter into pre-social work this summer and then pursue a Bachelor of Social Work.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it was close to home. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
There wasn’t one big “ah-ha” moment for me—instead, nursing school at OHIO Chillicothe was a constant, fast-paced challenge full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Over time, I realized that showing up, staying adaptable, and pushing through each hurdle was its own kind of success.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I do not have one specific "favorite professor." Each professor at OU was great in their own way. Professor Leadingham, Professor Hardiesty-Kelley, Professor Shotts, Professor Hamman, and Professor Vance all taught with great passion that inspired my every day. I also want to mention my clinical instructors Cynthia Fannin and Aaron Enmen who helped me pursue my passion in nursing at each clinical site. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
 One of the hardest challenges I faced at OHIO Chillicothe was figuring out the study techniques that worked best for me in nursing school.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories at OHIO Chillicothe include all my classes and clinicals with my fellow classmates. I enjoy being surrounded by my friends and professors who make every day special.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Sign up for everything! Go join clubs and participate in extracurriculars around campus! Make new friends and enjoy the college experience!

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I have recently accepted a position as a full-time night-shift RN at Nationwide Children's Hospital on their neuroscience floor.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t sure what to expect, and staying close to home felt right. I was already an aunt to four beautiful babies, and I couldn’t imagine missing out on watching them grow. OHIO Chillicothe offered affordable tuition, small class sizes, and the chance to learn in the same schools that shaped me. Because of OHIO Chillicothe and the incredible support from my professors, I was able to go at my own pace and complete a journey I’m truly proud of. It may have taken me 11 years, but not only did I finish, I finished with three degrees, something I never imagined possible. I know I’m walking away prepared to be the kind of educator I’ve always dreamed of becoming.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
My “ah-ha” moment didn’t happen all at once. It’s been building over these past few years. I’ve juggled so much, but this final year has truly opened my eyes. As graduation approaches and I start applying for jobs, I’ve realized something important: I might not be a straight-A student, but I am so much more than a GPA. I’m a wife and a proud mom to two beautiful children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. I’m a full-time student teacher, a full-time employee working full-time hours, and somehow, I’ve managed to hold it all together. This year has taught me just how strong I really am. If I can balance all of these roles and navigate the challenges that come with each, then I know, without a doubt that I can take on whatever the future holds. That’s when it hit me: I’ve got this.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
 I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had some amazing professors in the Education Department who have shaped not only my college journey but also the kind of teacher and person I want to be. First and foremost, my advisor Karen Corcoran has been a lifeline more times than I can count. She’s helped guide me back on track during some of my most difficult moments, and her belief in me never wavered. I feel like this degree belongs to her just as much as it does to me. Jeanie Dalton is another professor who has been nothing short of amazing. The support, encouragement, and wisdom I’ve received from these two incredible women is beyond words. I truly could not have made it through without them. Because of their guidance, I walk away from college with confidence and a sense of purpose. Thomas Kitchen has also left a lasting mark on me. His teachings gave me the confidence to walk into any classroom and support every student, no matter their background or challenges. He not only deepened my understanding of students with special needs, but also helped me discover vital resources and organizations, some of which have even helped my own child. He taught me that advocacy and compassion are essential parts of being an educator. And finally, I want to thank John O'Keefe. I never expected to love history, in fact, I used to say that if it happened before I was born, it didn’t matter. But his enthusiasm, storytelling, and passion for the subject changed that completely. He helped me see the beauty and importance of history, and now, my dream is to become the kind of Social Studies teacher who inspires students the way he inspired me.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe was learning how to find balance and learning that it’s okay to fail sometimes. I used to think failure was something to be ashamed of, but I’ve come to realize it’s just a part of the journey. What really matters is how you respond to it.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Some of my favorite memories at OHIO Chillicothe are the days we had class outside in the amphitheater. Those moments reminded me that learning doesn’t always have to be inside four walls. Sometimes, the best lessons happen when you’re sitting in the sunshine with a notebook in your lap.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Get involved in absolutely every way you can. Join clubs, attend events, connect with your professors, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. The more you put into your college experience, the more you’ll get out of it.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to begin my teaching career in either English Language Arts or Social Studies. My goal is to create a classroom where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to learn. I also hope to continue growing as an educator and advocate for students with special needs.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
The nursing program is so highly talked about and it’s held up to its standards! The small classes make it so much easier to connect to everyone. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Getting into the nursing program!

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts not only taught in a way that was understandable, but made it fun and enjoyable. She made it known that we could come to her with anything and she was the most understanding, down to earth professor I’ve ever had. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Making friends, but everyone is so welcoming and my class honestly feels like family now. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Extra long study days writing everything out on the whiteboards in the study rooms in Bennett hall with my friends. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The cafe and all the events that are held every week  

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Pass my NCLEX then continue my education to get my BSN then my master's in midwifery.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Staying home and saving money for college was important to me and Ohio University made that possible for me. I saw the opportunity to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing basically debt-free with the help of the College Credit Plus program which I utilized to get my first year totally paid for during my senior in high school. In addition to that my local and university scholarships have helped tremendously to cover the rest of my schooling. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!"?
N ursing school was hard at times. Junior year was our busiest and toughest year in my opinion, so I would probably have to say after our clinical rotations and our final exam was over that year is when I really felt confident that I would survive all the way through. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
A few of my favorite professors throughout the program were Professors Wolfe, Leadingham, and Shotts. Each of them are so uniquely different in their teaching and personality but they all were able to make an impact on each of their students. They are devoted to our success as nursing professionals, so everything they did for us reflected that. Their knowledge of the nursing profession poured out for us at every lecture. They all cheered us on the entire way and were the cornerstone to our success as students. I will forever be grateful for all of them. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest part for me was finding the school-life balance. I was always a straight A student who never had to study until nursing school. That was an adjustment for me. Finding a study plan that worked for me and sticking to it was a challenge. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Anything that has to do with my friends Mikayla, Olivia, Taylor, and Hannah. They have made nursing school so special and pushed me to keep going. OHIO Chillicothe has brought me lifelong friendships that I will always cherish! 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Utilize your advisors. When I was a senior in high school I met with the previous nursing advisor and I told him what my plans were. He was able to help me map out what my schedule would look like for the following four years and we made it happen! 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
After graduation and passing my boards I plan on staying local and working in the Adena Emergency Room. Being an ER nurse is something that has always been in the back of my mind all of nursing school, and after being able to shadow there I think that is where I am best fit. I am excited to be able to start my career and build on my skills and critical thinking that I have learned in my time at OHIO Chillicothe! 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe? I chose OHIO Chillicothe to stay close to my family. The smaller class sizes gave me an edge when needing extra help from my professors.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?"
My ah-ha moment where I felt like I had what it takes was when I started precepting. I felt like I was finally using the skills that I learned all through school.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors are Camille Leadingham and Lindsey Shotts. Both always have their students best interests at heart. They can relate classroom work to real world experiences that prepare us for real-world nursing.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb was trying to manage school work, clinical days and a job all at one time. I overcame this challenges by pushing through and staying focused. Take one day at a time! 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
I made bestfriends that will last forever. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not miss out on the new Coffee Hub. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future? I accepted a nursing position at Adena Regional Medical Center in the cardiopulmonary step-down unit. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe? I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it’s a small campus, yet is known for its amazing nursing program!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
I am an OHIO Chillicothe Alumna, having graduated in 2018 with my Bachelor in Social Work and minor in psychology. I feel it occurred during my first degree and I had a mission when I started the nursing program. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts, Professor Hardiesty-Kelly and Professor Hamman. All three of these professors truly care not only about their students being successful in the program but also mitigating their out of school life and balance of school. Each one of them are willing to take time to help when students need support in the classroom and truly care about their students becoming great nurses. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
I feel balancing being a single mom who has a kid in high school was definitely a hill I had to overcome. The balance between studying, prioritizing and utilizing resources instead of doing everything on my own was the biggest way I overcame that challenge. Making a great foundation before starting an extensive program like this I feel is going to make you more successful. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Labs, Homecoming parade in Athens, Halloween parade and taking part in SNOC (Student Nursing Organization Chillicothe) were my best memories. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
M ake sure you have a good support system and that you’re able to focus. Know that it’s a short amount of time to make sacrifices to be able to achieve so many possibilities for your future. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I will be working at Riverside Emergency Room as a nurse. In a few years I plan to possibly do travel nursing. 

Why did you choose Ohio University Chillicothe? It’s a smaller campus with a big heart.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life? Lindsey Shotts has made the biggest impact on me in showing me that I am capable of taking care of lives. She believed in me when I didn’t.  

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
M y first preceptorship. It was different to be smart on paper but putting what I have learned in the real world was confirmation for me.

What was the hardest hill you have had to climb as a student? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? The hardest hill for me was having patience and confidence. I’ve learned and have both now.

What are your favorite OHIO memories? When we had clinical as a group and would have great funny moments with classmates. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss? Don’t miss a clinical, it’s no fun to do clinical with a group that wasn’t originally yours. You will also feel more comfortable asking silly questions around people you’re used to in the beginning. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future? I have a job lined up at Nationwide Children’s Hospital on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Why did you choose Ohio University Chillicothe and the social work major? OHIO Chillicothe was a great option as it is close to home and super affordable. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life? Jeanie Dalton has been so helpful and uplifting during my time at OHIO Chillicothe. She is very down to earth and her education experience and examples have been very helpful in the field. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?My student teaching experience has been challenging, but I have learned so much! After turning in my EdTPA, I have been able to really slow down and focus more on student needs to really see the growth of my students. 

What was the hardest hill you have had to climb as a student? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? The hardest hill I had to climb was learning how to master work-life balance, and I am still not sure if I had mastered that. I have appreciated all of the staff that have been so helpful during this time.

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
M y favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories would be completing my degree and having many of my classes with some of my closest friends!

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss? I would tell new OHIO Chillicothe students to talk to their professors if they are in need of extra help or are having a hard time. The staff here at OHIO Chillicothe are so helpful and understanding! 

How do you plan to put your social work degree to work?/What are your next steps or plans for the future? I have accepted a Preschool teaching job at Circleville Elementary School and am very excited to be a Tiger once again. 

Why did you choose Ohio University Chillicothe and the social work major? I chose Ohio Chillicothe because it is the school where my mother got her social work education at and she has inspired me to become social worker than I am. Chillicothe is a close commute and is very familiar to me as I would occasionally attend classes with my mother while I was in middle and high school. Having the sense of familiarity and knowing I was getting to follow in my mother's footsteps as a Bobcat drive me to work hard and feel safe while doing so. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life? My favorite professors have to be Dr. Stacey Saunders-Adams and Nikki Priest. They have helped me through so much and we often have conversations in the mornings before class when life feels a little too heavy to carry it on my own. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”? Honestly, in my last semester of my bachelor's degree, I haven't had this moment. It has been stressful and anxiety riddled, but it has been fun and getting to see my cohort become social workers and being guided and taught by two amazing social workers has made all the stress and anxiety worth it. 

What was the hardest hill you have had to climb as a student? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? My hardest hill has been public speaking. I am very talkative when I am comfortable but speaking in front of classes has always been an issue for me. Anxiety with public speaking isn't something I believe you overcome as much as it is you know you aren't the only anxious person. Honestly you just have to be firm in what you know while also leaving room to grow. When I face anxiety due to public speaking it is mainly because I feel like everyone expects me to know everything about the subject and more often than not I don't. I always think of a wuote from Socrates, "I am the wisest man in any room for I know one thing, that is that I know nothing.". This quote reminds me that as humans we will never know everything, and all of us know closer to nothing rather than closer to everything.

What are your favorite OHIO memories? My favorite memories at Ohio Chillicothe is going a white elephant gift exchange with my social work cohort. It was awesome seeing everyone so happy to get things they enjoy for christmas from other members for our cohort!

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss? Never ever miss out on the chance to see people of different cultures who come to speak in the auditorium. I saw a speech from a Navajo man and watched as the Navajo kids he'd brought along danced their traditional dances. It was a soul-touching experience, and the Navajo man blessed individuals who had served or had family who served in the armed forces. I will never forget that moment and how it felt to be blessed by a Navajo man and watch the dances of their people. It was so beautiful. 

How do you plan to put your social work degree to work?/What are your next steps or plans for the future?  I plan to take a year off to gain my bearings and give my brain a little bit of a break, then I plan to return to Ohio University to get my master's degree and my doctorate degree in Social Work. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe? Local student-oriented campus, high rating for nursing programs

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
Passing third semester of the associate degree program gave me a breathe of fresh air knowing that the easiest semester was the last and if I could make it through the hard part then I had the ending in the bag.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Lindsey Shotts, Bethany Wolfe, and Britney Hamman went above and beyond to make sure that we stayed on track with our courses and had all of the necessary material to be successful.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Failing a class sets you back in a few different way but with a strong mind and a good focus on your final goals helps you make it to the end.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Christmas party with professor Shotts, hanging out with fellow students at the coffee hub or commons area, and taking walks in between classes on campus.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Campus and student events are the best way to step out, meet staff, and fellow students you may not have other classes with.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Enrolling in a bachelors program to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It's in m y hometown, features a small campus, and I'm a returning student.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this"?
The day I was able to recognize a cardiac abnormality and actually knew what was happening. Cardiac has been a hard area, and at that point, I knew I had this!

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Britney Hamman and Lindsey Shotts, both truly cared about my success as a Registered Nurse and were always there when I needed a question answered or just a cheerleader when I had doubt. They both have impacted me not only as a student, but also as a role model for the kind of nurse I strive to be.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
As an older and returning student, it has been a challenge to find the best way to study and retain the information. Many things have changed since I was a student many years ago. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Having the opportunities to meet so many new people, I am so thankful for the friendships and relationships I have formed.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Take part in all activities on campus. This is a great way to meet people and network. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Passing the NCLEX and starting my career as an Registered Nurse. I am beginning my BSN this summer. I hope to graduate next Spring with not only my BSN, but also a minor in Psychology. My long-term goal is to work as a forsenic nurse.