From Care to Campus: Emma Stanek Champions Nursing Student Advocacy
Originally from Germany, Emma Stanek first arrived in the United States as a one-year-old and spent parts of her childhood living and attending school in both the U.S. and Germany. Though she has since settled in the States, she continues to visit Germany every summer to see her family, maintaining a deep connection to both countries and cultures that sparked her lifelong curiosity about people and their stories. “Traveling and seeing these two worlds really inspired my interest in others,” she said. “It’s always been something I’ve felt instinctively: wanting to care for people and make an impact.” Now in her second-to-last semester of the BSN program, Stanek is putting that instinct into action as the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA) senator for the College of Nursing, a role that allows her to advocate for her peers and amplify student voices.
The ASUA serves as the student government, representing and advocating for the student body. Part of this organization is the ASUA Senate, which consists of students who serve as elected representatives for a one-year term, first being sworn in at the beginning of May, and serving in the role in the following Fall and Spring semesters. As a senator, Stanek is embracing a leadership role that extends far beyond the classroom, acting as a vital link between nursing students and university administration.
“Stanek’s work demonstrates how today’s nursing students are shaping the future of health care, not only through patient care but also through policy, collaboration, and advocacy,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “Her leadership reflects the kind of well-rounded, forward-thinking nurse the college aims to prepare, one who is ready to make an impact in every aspect of the profession.”
For Stanek, leadership and nursing share the same core values: empathy, teamwork, and a drive to make a difference. When Stanek learned that the College of Nursing had gone several years without an ASUA representative, she saw an opportunity to give her peers a voice. “Since joining the U of A, I’ve wanted to give back and make an impact because of how much I’ve gained here as a student,” Stanek said. “Nursing students deserve representation and a voice, too.”
Her training in nursing has influenced her leadership style. Just as she advocates for patients in clinical settings, she now advocates for her peers on campus by listening, collaborating, and improving communication between students and administration. “Being a senator is about advocacy,” she explained. “It is using that same mindset we learn in nursing, being empathetic, being a good listener, and understanding what people need to make meaningful change.”
Faculty members have also recognized Stanek’s compassion and strong critical thinking skills. One professor, Delanee Schwartz, MS, RN, CNRN, SCRN, recalled a moment in class that stood out: “Emma was the first to recognize a key connection between a patient’s medications and lab values. Even though the kidney labs were normal, she noticed that several medications could still impact kidney function,” Schwartz said. “From then on, she led class discussions on kidney function and medication safety. Emma shows that kindness and critical thinking go hand in hand—and that nursing is not just about caring but about using that care to think deeply and improve patients’ lives.”
As a student leader, Stanek is focused on creating a more inclusive and supportive community for nursing students. Recognizing the demands of nursing school, she has focused on promoting connection, mentorship, and mental health awareness within the college. Her main goal is to establish a peer mentorship program that connects upper-semester nursing students with those just beginning the program. “Nursing school is such a big transition,” Stanek said. “Having someone who has been through it to offer advice, encouragement, and support can make all the difference.”
Stanek is also exploring ways to foster collaboration across disciplines, from organizing events with other ASUA senators to promoting volunteer and shadowing opportunities. She believes that creating space for students to engage beyond the classroom not only builds stronger connections but also prepares them for the interprofessional nature of health care.
In addition to her work as a senator, she is involved in two U of A groups: Alpha Epsilon Delta, a national honor society for pre-professional health students, and the Links Junior Honorary, a philanthropic student organization, both of which have helped her build community and collaborate with students across diverse fields. These groups build broader communities where students can apply their skills, serve others, and gain real-world experience that enhances their education and their impact as future nurses.
Stanek’s experience as a student leader has strengthened the core qualities that will define her future as a nurse: confidence, advocacy, and compassion. Balancing academics, clinicals, and leadership responsibilities has taught her how to listen, communicate, and stand up for others, skills that are just as essential in nursing as they are in leadership. “The College of Nursing has helped me grow so much personally and professionally,” Stanek said. “It has given me the confidence to take on challenges, connect with others, and make a difference wherever I go.” Her leadership enhances the student experience, empowering her peers to thrive both personally and academically while reflecting the values and spirit of the College of Nursing.
Stanek is eager to begin her career and has her sights set on becoming a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse after graduation. Her love of travel and meeting new people has also inspired her to one day develop her skills on the road as a travel nurse, gaining new experiences in different communities and care settings. Looking further ahead, she hopes to become a nurse practitioner, a path she sees to expand her impact and continue leading with compassion and purpose. Guided by the values and mentorship she’s found at the College of Nursing, Stanek feels ready to step into every new opportunity with confidence, knowing she is part of a community shaping the future of health care.