Meet Chicago BSN students
Get to know some of the students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at our Chicago campus
Testimonial: Eva Tejeda Heading link
Eva Tejeda
Hometown: Mundelein, Illinois
| May 2024
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I was raised going in and out of the hospital due to my father’s poor health and from a young age I managed his variety of health concerns. Caring for others became a second nature and my experience with my father only fed my interest in science. Nursing combines my love for caring for others and passion for science and medicine perfectly. I look forward to being a nurse that holistically cares for her patients; educates them, provides emotional support for them and can provide care that requires critical thinking.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
I love everything fitness. I’m a boxer and I’m also into weightlifting and running. I prioritize my fitness to find balance as a nursing student between all the labs, lectures, clinicals and studying. I also have a small ministry where I collect donations privately and care for homeless people. I have established relationships with many homeless people in Chicago. Through my donations I get the opportunity to buy them new clothing, winter necessities and groceries. Most importantly they are my pals and I love spending time with them.
Testimonial: Daren Musa Heading link
Daren Musa
Hometown: Orland Park, Illinois
| May 2024
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
My aspiration to become a nurse was ignited during my sophomore year of high school, driven by a deep-seated passion for education and a commitment to enhancing health literacy. Before joining the nursing program at UIC, I worked as a medical assistant in a clinic serving primarily non-English speaking patients. This experience underscored the critical role of language in healthcare and the impact of health literacy on patient outcomes. Fluent in Arabic and English, I aim to bridge language barriers in healthcare, offering support and empowerment to patients facing linguistic challenges. Nursing merges my educational interests with a desire to make a significant, positive difference in the lives of those, particularly in under-served communities, by ensuring they feel understood and cared for in their healthcare experiences.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Beyond my academic pursuits, I indulge in hobbies that foster self-expression and deepen connections with those around me. A particular interest of mine is following fashion influencers, as I view fashion as a vibrant medium of personal expression. I enjoy experimenting with different styles to find looks that boost my confidence and mirror my individuality. Cooking also holds a special place in my heart, especially when it involves preparing dishes from various global cuisines. This hobby not only feeds my curiosity about different cultures but also brings me joy in crafting meals from the ground up. Additionally, weekend game nights with my cousins are a cherished tradition. These gatherings, filled with board, card, and video games, not only reinforce our familial ties but also fill our time with laughter and a bit of healthy competition, making each weekend memorable.
Testimonial: Nikola Gigovski Heading link
Nikola Gigovski
Hometown: Crystal Lake, Illinois
| May 2023
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I was originally a pre-med student when I came to UIC. Through all of the volunteering and extracurricular opportunities offered here, I was able to ignite my true passion of bedside care. The following day, I switched my major to pre-nursing and I never looked back!
What else are you involved in through school?
I am a part of all the student organizations offered here at the College of Nursing! I am the senior representative for Student Council, the vice president of Student Nurses Association, and the communications coordinator for Urban Health Program.
Testimonial: Leah Senese Heading link
Leah Senese
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
| May 2024
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far? Heading link
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far?
My favorite moment as a nursing student was during my first day of clinical at the hospital where I was selected to go to the ICU. I was amazed by the amount of camaraderie I witnessed among the nursing staff as well as the amount of work there was to be done in that one day. My nurse kept me on my toes the whole day by quizzing me on the medications as well as letting me practice nursing skills we had learned in class, such as subcutaneous injections, nasal suctioning, rectal suppositories, and draining a specimen collection bag. I felt so lucky to be able to do all of these skills on my first day. Everybody around me was so nice and willing to help me learn whenever possible. It was this day that I knew I wanted to become an ICU nurse!
What else are you involved in through school?
I am on the UIC women’s soccer team. At first, I was a little worried about how I was going to manage both soccer and nursing as they are both a huge time commitment. In fact, many universities don’t even allow students to do both. However, I have nothing but positive things to say about my coaching staff and the nursing faculty here at UIC. They both worked with me every step of the way to ensure my success. The nursing faculty helped me schedule my classes around my practices and set up extra study sessions if I missed anything. My coaching staff helped move practices around my school schedule and came in early so I could make up practices. These two groups of people have made this a wonderful experience, and I cannot thank them enough.
Testimonial: Kevin Popoca Heading link
Kevin Popoca
Hometown: Bolingbrook, Illinois
| May 2024
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far? Heading link
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far?
My favorite moments have definitely been spending time with a community of diverse individuals pursuing the same goal of transforming health care. I also love having clinicals at some of the top hospitals in the region, where I can demonstrate the skills I’ve learned in class and the new Schwartz Lab. All of this has prepared me for a successful nursing career.
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I am from a Hispanic/Latino background, and I want to be a role model to minorities that you can reach your goals! I also want to do research to find new skills/treatments that can enhance nursing care.
What else are you involved in through school?
I am an active member of the college’s Urban Health Program Student Association, the Student Nurses Association and the Student Council (STUCO). These organizations offer a lot of support to students, like holding study sessions and organizing volunteers for events that give back to communities, bring us closer and create lifelong memories. Through these organizations, I’ve made friends and gained leadership skills I can use in my nursing career.
Testimonial: Tierra "Ti" Floyd Heading link
Tierra “Ti” Floyd
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
| May 2025
What has been your favorite moment as a UIC College of Nursing student? Heading link
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far?
My favorite moment as a UIC College of Nursing student is being able to practice and develop my skills at clinical. Being able to see a smile on my patient’s face is what reminds me of my purpose. Nursing is the heart of the health care system, and it is not all glitz and glam. But, witnessing a patient’s status improve based of the interventions and nursing care that you provide makes it all worth it!
What do you do for fun outside of school?
It is so important in life, let alone particularly nursing school, to ensure a stable work-life balance. Nursing school is not easy, so giving back to yourself is a must. For self-care, I personally like to spend time with my loved ones and go out to events like the movies, restaurants, and shopping. In order to be a successful student and future nurse, I have to take care of myself adequately so that I am able to serve and care for my patients.