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.
Presley Blake
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
I had always known, back when I was trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue, that I would want a job that excites and challenges me on a daily basis. Nursing gives me all that and more–it provides countless opportunities to learn and grow, is a very diverse and exciting field, and is in high demand. Not only that, but it allows you to interact and see people throughout their lives, and to offer them help and kindness. I admire so many of the nurses I have met during my life, and I have always wanted to be just like them–caring, compassionate, and empathetic. All in all, nursing to me is a rewarding and challenging career path, something I had always envisioned for myself when imagining my future.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
The University of Arizona provides countless opportunities and communities for so many people. I came to this university knowing no one–I had just moved back to the United States after living in South Korea for four years, and I felt very much alone. But the people and faculty I met here really made me feel like I fit in and belonged. Whether it was in the clubs I was in, the classes I was taking, or the events I went to, I always felt excited, challenged, and happy to be here! The University of Arizona also has an amazing nursing program, which was originally what drew me here in the first place. Not to mention the beauty of the campus, which has never ceased to amaze me, even after a year here. It’s just an amazing place to be!
Emily Chapman
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
Nursing can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career path for anyone who aspires to positively impact the lives of others. I personally chose this path because, compared to other medical professionals, nurses spend the most time directly interacting with patients, and I find this personal connection very important. On top of this, nursing is a field that is constantly growing, and there are so many unique areas of nursing to explore and specialize in.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
The University of Arizona is a great choice for nursing because the program is highly reputable and competitive, and provides a countless number of resources and opportunities. The university also offers a very diverse range of programs, and with hundreds of clubs, there is definitely something for everybody. The campus is beautiful, and despite the large student population, it really feels like a close-knit community once you find your place.
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.
Olivia Huang
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
Nursing is an incredible career choice because of the wide range of opportunities it offers. As a nurse, you can explore countless specialties and care for patients at every stage of life, from their first day to their last, and everything in between. No matter what specialty you're interested in, nursing provides countless avenues to find your niche.
What makes nursing even more appealing is its flexibility and the diverse opportunities it offers. If you ever want to explore a new specialty or pursue a career outside the hospital setting --like research, nursing education, or public health-- there are opportunities all around you.
However, the most amazing thing about a career in nursing is the ability to be a constant source of positivity during someone's most difficult times.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
The UA is an amazing place for both academic and personal growth. Since I arrived, I’ve seen a noticeable boost in my confidence—not just in myself but in my education and my career choice. One of the standout aspects of UA are the incredible amount of resources available, especially within the CON. Whether you need academic support from SI Sessions, ThinkTank, or the amazing academic advisors, or you’re looking for personal support from CAPS or Campus Health, there’s truly something for everyone.
What makes UA so special, though, is the people and the endless opportunities it offers. From cheering on the incredible D1 sports teams to joining intramural sports or one of the many clubs on campus, just like in nursing, there’s a place for everyone. The UA community is full of supportive, passionate individuals who help you grow in every way. The blend of top tier education, lively campus life, and a culture of inclusivity is what makes UA truly unique.
Lexi Miller
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
I chose nursing because it is an amazing career that allows you to be hands-on with patients and make a real difference in their lives. Having the opportunity to give patients the best physical and mental care possible can make some of their worst days just a little bit brighter. At the same time, you are also learning about them from a science perspective. My combined interest in helping people and science led me to ultimately choose a career in nursing. Nursing also interested me because it is a very diverse field in which you can have many different specialties or even go on to pursue a more advanced degree in nursing.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
The original thing that interested me in the University of Arizona was the beautiful campus and amazing school spirit. The moment I toured the campus I fell in love with it and felt a strong sense of community here. The U of A further interested me because of the endless opportunities for students to be involved. Being a student at the University of Arizona has allowed me to be a part of many different things that I would have never had the opportunity to if I had gone somewhere else, such as being an Arizona Ambassador, in a sorority, and much more.
Paige Morrow
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
I chose nursing because it is an incredibly diverse career. There are so many different specialties, locations, and levels of nursing, that you can really do it all. Nursing is the cornerstone of many health care providing networks as they bridge the gap between physical healing and the maintenance of comfort and dignity. Nurses are given the opportunity to advocate for patients directly and build strong relationships that allow them to more for these humans than just provide medication or assistance.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
I chose the University of Arizona because of its reputation of producing and supporting intelligent and strong nurses that are so desperately needed in our communities. As well as the strong sense of community that radiates off the campus. I wanted to travel far from home for school and being able to do that at a university that can provide me with everything I need academically and community wise seemed like a no-brainer to me. It is obvious how much those running our College of Nursing want us to succeed, and I feel confident knowing that this is the environment I want to be in.
Blessed Ndagire-Naggenda
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
I chose nursing because of a deeply personal experience I had as a child in Uganda. That moment shaped my desire to serve others, and I’ve carried that mission with me ever since. Nursing gives me the chance to combine my passion for helping people, especially children, with the skills to make a real difference in their lives. I’m excited about the blend of empathy and medical expertise that comes with nursing, and I can't wait to be there for others when they need it most. While I’ve always been surrounded by important people who have taken on healthcare positions, my experience in Uganda gave me my own personal "why" and the real spark for pursuing nursing. It’s not just about following in the footsteps of those I admire it’s about answering my own calling to serve and care for others.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
One reason I chose the UA was because of the nursing program in particular. I knew it would give me the foundation and opportunities I need to thrive in the healthcare field. Combined with the incredible college life and the excitement of the basketball games, UA felt like the perfect fit—not too far from home, but just far enough to give me a sense of independence. It’s the ideal environment for me to pursue my passion for nursing while enjoying an amazing college experience.
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.
Diana Quintana
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
I knew nursing was my calling when I would frequently hear testimonies of nurses' impact on people's lives through volunteer work. Through those testimonies I learned that nursing is so much more than a career. Nursing impacts a patient's and surrounding family's mental, physical, and emotional health. I know that I want to be the person to go above and beyond to make someone's worst time of their life more enjoyable. With that, I adore all populations of people and am excited to learn and treat different walks of life daily. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am planning to learn about healthcare barriers to different communities. With my learned expertise in healthcare barriers, I hope to one day open a practice that works to limit those healthcare barriers for communities. The healthcare system is incredible and I have a goal of bettering it.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
My decision of choosing the University of Arizona was influenced by the university's community. When first speaking to advisors from UofA I noticed how passionate and supportive they are towards the students. I am adamant that I can speak to my College of Nursing advisors and get the most genuine, helpful feedback. Not only are the advisors supportive but the student healthcare community was so welcoming. When I would volunteer in the Tucson community, I always ran into a healthcare student. It is so great to continually see other students willing to help the community surrounding the UofA. I continue to feel so supported by my professors, campus greek life, healthcare clubs, advisors, and student support services. I know I made the right decision to attend the University of Arizona!
Ashlyn Rex
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why choose Nursing?/What’s awesome about Nursing?
Nursing is a career that is so fulfilling and impactful. Nurses are not only knowledgeable in their field, but are compassionate, caring, and empathetic. I chose nursing because I want to be able to care for people in the same way that people in my family have been cared for because it has been so impactful. Not only have I seen nurses that are helpful, knowledgeable, and skilled, but I have seen nurses show an extreme amount of love and care. Compassion is a necessity in the setting that nurses work in. Helping a patient feel comfortable in a time of discomfort is extremely impactful. Nursing is awesome because you can specialize in so many different fields of study! Not only can you vary in specialty, but there are so many different careers within nursing. Every one of which is impactful and rewarding.
Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?
The second I stepped on campus I felt welcomed and supported not only by my peers, but by the faculty. UA provides a lot of opportunities for support in academics and also support with mental health which is very important in times where school can be overwhelming and stressful. UA makes an effort to help all students transition as smoothly as possible. The UA nursing program is smaller than a lot of schools which allows for one on one help and very focused nursing training. They also offer a ton of support in pre-nursing with advisors that aid in the application process and scheduling.
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!