January Nursing Student Spotlight

Our January School of Nursing Student Spotlight features one of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, Jillian.  On campus, Jillian is a student athlete (swimming), the President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and a Community Service officer for SNAOU (Student Nursing Association at Oakland University).  Jillian says she has always had a love for science, the human body and knew she would like to do something in that field. When she was a sophomore in high school she had a minor procedure done. She received fantastic care from her nurse and that experience inspired her to pursue nursing.  

When asked who has made an impact on her time here at OU, Jillian says “Ashley Stone, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Experience, encouraged her to be the best version of herself. She promotes self-care and overall well-being.”  Jillian is also thankful for the close relationship with her family, her nursing classmates and all of her coaches who have helped her succeed in the water and have been flexible with her nursing schedule, which has helped her academically.

Jillian, BSN Student

Looking at her time spent at OU, Jillian says she has become a good leader, learned the importance of delegation, the essential skill of truly listening to someone and what they have to say, and a sense of community and the people behind you.

Jillian’s advice to new students, “be willing to say yes and try everything. Do not be afraid to fail. Be where your feet are.”

Jillian is a Presidential Scholar, recipient of the Anna M. Huebner, RN, Endowed Tuition Award and the General Athletic Scholarship (sophomore year), recipient of the Miron and Haija Stano Endowed Scholarship (junior and senior year) and the Tommy Allen Memorial Scholarship by the swim team (senior year).

After graduation, Jillian hopes to become a traveling nurse so she can spend time with family in various states and eventually she would like to pursue a graduate nursing degree.