Meet Springfield BSN students
Get to know some of the students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at our Springfield campus
Springfield BSN Testimonial: Melanie Jhoie Pureza Intud Heading link
Melanie Jhoie Pureza Intud
Hometown: Bartlett, Illinois
| May 2023
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I want to become a nurse because I have a passion for helping and caring for others. My mom taught me the value of helping others. I am excited about applying my care and compassion into the nursing field.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy going on walks and going to the gym. I also enjoy doing self-care activities, such as getting my nails done, applying face masks, and getting massages.
What’s your favorite: book, TV show, song/artist, movie or food?
My favorite TV shows are Grey’s Anatomy and Shameless, and my favorite movie is The Notebook. Some of my favorite foods include steak tacos, Filipino spaghetti, and pineapple pizza.
Springfield BSN Testimonial: Boxu Li Heading link
Boxu Li
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
| May 2023
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 are taking care of my patients. I gave a tiny piece of myself to each of them, and they did the same for me. Those little pieces of ourselves are the threads that come together to form the magnificent tapestry that is my favorite part of being a nursing student.
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I was intrigued by an introductory first aid class in high school. I decided to start volunteering for first aid jobs; some of the other people volunteering with me were nurses. I was interested in their line of work, and the more I discovered what they did, the more I became enthusiastic about the possibility of assisting individuals with their health crises.
What else are you involved in through school (clubs, groups, extracurriculars)?
I’m a mentor in the mentoring program at UIC College of Nursing at Springfield campus and a membership coordinator in the Student Nurse Association on the Springfield campus.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
I like to play basketball with friends and work out in the gym.
Springfield BSN Testimonial: Ann Vadukumcherry Heading link
Ann Vadukumcherry
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
| May 2023
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far? Heading link
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student so far?
During one of my clinicals, I was privileged to take care of a terminally ill patient. My patient had been in the hospital for quite some time, and was expressing feelings of loneliness. By the end of the day, I had gotten to know my patient very well as we talked about topics ranging from childhood, faith, movies, politics and good food. As a nursing student, I learned that day how powerful my role was to help facilitate and bring healing to suffering individuals just by being present.
What else are you involved in through school (clubs, groups, extracurriculars)?
I tutor the junior nursing students! I find it a great way to give back as well as brush up on my previous nursing courses!
What’s your favorite: book, TV show, song/artist, movie or food?
Caramel coconut fudge cookies
Springfield BSN Testimonial: Faith Sidener Heading link
Faith Sidener
Hometown: Springfield, Illinois
| May 2023
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I wanted to become a nurse because my great-grandmother was a nurse. My great-grandparents helped to raise me, and because of their age, I spent a lot of time in the hospital at the bedside with them. Seeing the compassion and care that they received was a driving force in my decision to pursue this career. I will be pursuing a career in psychiatric nursing, and that is because my uncle suffered from mental illness. I saw the way he struggled and how he was treated in that struggle, and I want to be part of the change in realizing that mental health IS health.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my best friend and niece, as well as spending time with my family and my German shepherd, Beyla, who is the light of my life.
Springfield BSN Testimonial: Destiny Harrison Heading link
Destiny Harrison
Hometown: Somonauk, Illinois
| May 2023
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I wanted to become a nurse to make an impact on others’ lives and give back to the community. Nursing is such a rewarding career and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Outside of school I spend time with my husband and two little dogs, Lucy and Piper.