Over the summer, UConn holds orientation sessions for its incoming class. Students spend two days on campus where they get to meet faculty and staff in various roles, learn about resources and services the university has to offer, and meet with their advisors from their school/college.

This year, the School of Nursing kicked off its first out of eight orientation sessions on May 27 and they run until the end of summer.  In these sessions, students learn about the School of Nursing, academic expectations, and course offerings. Along with picking their classes for their first semester, they are given the necessary tools to succeed as a nursing student.

“Orientation is where students start finding their place in the School of Nursing. College is a big transition, and our advisors are here to help students feel confident, informed, and excited for their time at UConn,” said Chelsea Cichocki, director of student success of admissions and enrollment. “We want every student to leave feeling supported and ready to begin their academic journey and their future in nursing.”

With over 200 students entering the School of Nursing as the class of 2029, they are anything but ordinary. From in-state to out-of-state students, they all share one thing in common – a passion for nursing.

 

Shaunty Mae Vidad

First-generation student Shaunty Mae Vidad ‘29 (NURS), developed a passion for nursing after finding out the importance nurses had in saving her life.

As a sepsis baby, Vidad spent a lot of time in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nurses played a huge part in her survival and since then she has gained a deep respect for the profession, so much so, that she wants to do the same.

“The idea of going back to that part of the job that saved my life is something meaningful to me,” said Vidad.

Nursing allows her to combine her love of science and interest in how the human body works. With her personal experience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she wants to continue down that pathway and become a NICU nurse.

Vidad shares a passion for nursing with her uncle who is a registered nurse. His experiences and support have helped guide her through her nursing journey.

“Hearing about his life as a nurse helped me understand that this career is about more than just medical care,” she said. “It’s about trust, empathy, and being there when it matters most.”

Up until six years ago, Vidad was living in the Philippines where she also grew up. Since coming to Connecticut, she’s been connected to UConn. She took UConn college credits and was a part of the UConn Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP) summer program – a program for students from underserved communities in grades 9-12 and post-secondary level.

When it eventually came down to choosing a university, UConn was her first choice.

Vidad is entering her first year as a certified nurse assistant with certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the automated external defibrillator (AED). These accomplishments have helped her gain confidence in the field and with that she’s ready to continue learning.

“I’m looking forward to growing as a student, a person, and a future healthcare professional,” Vidad said. “Being a Husky means finding a place where I belong, and I believe UConn will give me that opportunity.”

 

Carlin Sabo

Carlin Sabo ‘29 (NURS) is also a first-generation student who has a passion for nursing. Having been homeschooled in Pennsylvania for most of her life, she’s looking forward to meeting new people, especially those within her major who have similar career aspirations.

“UConn has such a strong community, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I want to grow not just academically, but personally – becoming more confident and independent,” Sabo said.

In a blended family of eight siblings, Sabo will be the first nurse and being the oldest out of her younger siblings, she knows how to be a leader and protector. She also knows the importance of hard work – a value she learned from being an Irish dancer her whole life.

Irish dancing is “one of the best things to happen in my life. It gives me an outlet to not only connect with my heritage but also travel around the world doing what I love, which is expressing myself through dance,” she said. “Irish dance taught me discipline, confidence, and the value of hard work.”

Sabo plans to join the Irish Dance Team on campus where she can keep that connection to her heritage and her family.

Within her academics, Sabo said she is most excited to learn about health, anatomy, and patient care. Her goal is to become a licensed medical aesthetician – a skincare specialist who works in the medical field – and a nurse injector – a healthcare professional who administers injections. One day, she wants to open her own med spa where she can help people “feel their best through skincare treatments, injectables, and holistic beauty services.”

Being a first-generation student and the first nurse in her family she is empowered to represent them and how far they all have come.

“I’m here today because of my parents’ sacrifices, hard work, and desire to create a better future for myself,” she said. “Nursing became my dream through my love of helping others. I’ve always been drawn to helping people feel and look their best and seeing first-hand how nurses make a big impact in people’s lives inspired me to become a nurse.”