College of Nursing Ambassadors 

Meet our Students

Our Student Ambassadors share the reasons why they chose a career in Nursing and the University of Arizona.

Christina Arneson

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

If you are interested in any aspect of the healthcare field, I highly recommend choosing nursing. Nursing is a career that has a place for everyone. It will provide endless opportunities wherever your path may take you. There are numerous specialties, settings, and populations you can work with. Most importantly, the nursing field will enable you to make a positive difference in people experiencing the most difficult days of their life. As a nurse, your compassion, empathy, and selflessness will be remembered forever in the hearts you touch.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

While the University of Arizona is more commonly known for our athletics and academics, it isn't until you are a student that you truly realize how great our school is. The UA is a large, diverse campus that provides unique opportunities for every student. For example, our health sciences programs are well-regarded for the competent professionals they create through an environment of growth, solidarity, and success. These programs often have strong ties to local healthcare facilities, providing practical experience and networking opportunities not always available at other colleges.

Molly Ashendorf

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

Nursing is a perfect blend between science and heart, where you get to change the lives of others forever. On one hand, nursing is deeply rooted within scientific knowledge and upcoming technology in the medical field. On the other hand, nurses also prioritize compassion, empathy, and human connection with their patients. With these two amazing qualities, I have found that nursing is a career where people can help and aid others while also being involved in the scientific and medical field.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

From our reputable basketball team to our hard working and driven students, the University of Arizona has so much to offer. The University of Arizona doesn’t only offer an education but an experience like no other. Opportunities like internships, research opportunities, Greek life organizations, numerous clubs, and amazing academics are what build up the communities that we have at the U of A. The student body is immensely diverse and it is easy to say that there is a home for everyone here. Being a part of the University of Arizona means becoming part of a tradition that inspires others and yourself to succeed, for a lifetime.

Sydney Crow

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

I knew immediately when I stepped on campus that this would be my home and a great place for me to develop and grow during my college career. The people are supportive, and I have made lifelong friends. I chose to major in nursing for a variety of reasons. One being that I want to make a difference, show compassion and help those in need. This career path is so versatile that there are numerous options for nursing graduates. I look forward to exploring those once I have completed my degree.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose University of Arizona because it is the number one rated nursing school in Arizona. Also, campus life is very welcoming and an amazing community to be involved with. There are numerous clubs, programs and additional resources to help you be a successful student. These resources and the impressive faculty set students up for success.

Elina DesRosier

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

Nursing is such a special profession because as a Nurse you not only get to treat physical health, but you also get to build special connections and bonds with people. Something awesome about nursing is that you get to help so many people through caring and compassionate works of service which is so rewarding!

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The University of Arizona has countless resources, activities, and events that really help you grasp the college experience as a student. I always loved coming as a kid and going to those games, grand openings, or live performances. Once you get involved in everything it has to offer you will find so much more comfort and confidence in your new home! The University of Arizona has so much to offer for their students, families, and community. Bear Down!

Ariel Freddie

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

The reason why Nursing is such a great field to get into, is because Nursing is one of the most vast healthcare professions to start in, gain knowledge from, and if desired to transition into a higher career (e.g., Nursing Practitioner). The skills you learn as a Nurse will not only help your patients with western medicine but also by effective communication and compassion. Nursing today is such a diverse profession and with the high demand of healthcare professionals, becoming a nurse will always ensure a secure job is always available. The most amazing thing about Nursing and healthcare in general, is that what you learn in school can be applied to any person in the world. My own personal ambitions of becoming a travel Nurse and later on going back to the Navajo Reservation to serve my community, can always be achieved by how nurses are trained and taught.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

Choosing The University of Arizona is not only a great choice because of its academic reputation and the university's commitment in providing their students with a first class education, but being on the UA campus you are surrounding yourself with the same people who have the same academic drive and passion as yourself. The University of Arizona, provides many resources to support your personal academic journey, from amazing advisors, financial aid help, and campus resources always available to you. Coming from personal experiences, the University of Arizona has done an amazing effort by offering tons of support to Native American students such as myself, in making sure that I have the resources to continue my education.

Paris Perry

Major: Pre-Nursing / Minor: Africana Studies

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

One reason why I chose nursing was because of the impact that needs to be made in the medical community when it comes to protecting women's health, especially women of color. This is an inequality that I have seen in the healthcare field since I first had interest. There is a constant struggle in the medical field to find help where it is needed, and I want to be able to be a safe space for those lacking the ability to find medical professionals who are willing to care for them. Something that is awesome about nursing is that there are multiple different fields that you can pursue. There are many options, and also you can go back to acquire other degrees rather than just your bachelor’s degree. Also, another thing that I enjoy is the diversity and inclusion, which is always helpful.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

One reason why I chose the UA was because of the nursing program in particular. The program itself is a little smaller than most, which means a lot more closeness to professors and fellow nursing students. Another reason why I chose the UA was because of how close it is to home. I am from Phoenix, so it is a plus to be able to reach my family if need be. Something that is awesome about the UA is the opportunities to pursue different career exploration options. I have a minor in Africana studies, which I did not think was possible before I reached this campus and saw the chance I had to dive deeper into my culture. So, if you feel yourself not enjoying the major you choose, there are people here to help you find where you might find happiness in your future.

Samantha Smith

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

A career in the field of nursing will provide you with a profession that is rewarding, challenging and incredibly multifaceted. As a nurse you get to make so many connections with patients, coworkers and colleagues. You get to explore different options within the medical field. Personally, I am hoping to have a career in pediatrics or oncology. Why I chose nursing is because I want to make a difference in people’s lives during their time of need. My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was in 5th grade, and from then her life has been constant trips to the hospital and doctor’s appointments. I have seen first-hand how a nurse can change these experiences for their patients. I saw how the nurses treated my mother with a caring compassionate hand. I knew from then there is only one possible way I would want to live my life. Saving other people’s loved ones. Now I’m a Pre-Nursing student who is ready to take on the challenges of a nursing career. I am prepared for all those hours of studying, the long shifts, and the tedious work. But it will all be paid off because I know that I can make a difference in the world. Which is the true beauty of a career in nursing.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

You should choose the University of Arizona because it offers many opportunities for all different types of students. There are many diverse clubs and activities for everyone. I was involved with Club Sports this past year and it was where I had met most of my friends here at the U of A. For more social students there is an amazing Greek life to find a family to support you through your four years at the University. Another great tool for student success is the various staff members that offer help. This includes many accessible office hours, study centers, TA’s and SI sessions to deepen your learning and understanding on a topic. The campus is stunning and there are many places to hang out with friends, do your homework and make yourself at home on the campus. The College of Nursing is an incredibly competitive program with modern technology for their nursing students. There are also amazing tools to learn about the college including your College of Nursing ambassadors and your College of Nursing advisors who are happy to answer any questions.

Evelyn Toole

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

I chose nursing as a career path because of my desire to help others. I’ve seen the direct impact that the lack of healthcare can have on families and communities and that inspired me to pursue nursing. Nursing has brought me many great connections, a sense of community, and opportunities to learn and grow in the healthcare field. It is a growing career field with many opportunities for specialization and growth.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose the University of Arizona Nursing program for their focus on community partnerships and clinical practice. The College of Nursing works closely within the community and surrounding areas to recognize health care issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, the program provides many resources, which I have utilized, for academic advisors, success coaches, mentors, and free tutoring.

Morgan Witte

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

The reason that I chose nursing was because it is such a diverse field. When you become a nurse the world is your oyster, the range in types of nurses is incredible. One of my favorite things about nursing is just because you are a nurse doesn't mean you are limited to doing one type of work! Nurses are also always needed, there is always a shortage of nurses so it's inevitable that you will be needed somewhere. I think that it's also awesome that as a nurse you get to be there for people in some of the worst moments of their lives and be a support system for them. When people leave hospitals one thing they always talk about is how nice the nurses were and how they made them feel safe and comfortable even when they were struggling and I love that we have the opportunity to be that for people!

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose UA because of its vibes! I feel like when you walk onto the UA campus you feel like you are a part of a college town. It's pretty small so you are never too far of a walk away from classes and there are so many ways to get involved. If you are interested in going to nursing school, UA is also a great place to be. As a Pre-Nursing major we are heavily updated on volunteer opportunities and are given ways to help with our nursing applications. The advising team always keeps you on the right track and it's amazing that we have them in our corner!

Madeleine Zosa

Major: Pre-Nursing

Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?

I think Nursing is an excellent career path for anyone passionate about healthcare. There are so many options and opportunities for growth within Nursing, so regardless of your interests, there is something for everyone. It is also a great decision to choose Nursing because the world can always use more healthcare professionals that are dedicated to creating a positive patient care experience.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The University of Arizona is a great choice as it provides an outstanding educational experience for students, with staff that is experienced in their field of study and dedicated to sharing their passion with others. The UA is also a Tier 1 Research Institution, providing students with plenty of research opportunities for different majors/minors. Not to mention, the UA's campus is beautiful and is surrounded by amazing landscapes that complement the university.