Meet Urbana BSN students
Get to know some of the students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at our Urbana campus
Urbana BSN Testimonial Heading link
Josephine Aladesuru
Hometown: Chicago
| May 2024
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 clinical rotations, a patient had just returned from dialysis and, as expected, he presented with extreme fatigue and exhaustion. As I approached the patient’s bedside, I greeted him with a warm greeting and explained that we were here to administer his medications. As he finally opened his eyes, he smiled. The joy was all in his eyes and smile. On this day, I felt connected to my purpose.
Why did you want to become a nurse?
Nurses are the unsung heroes who serve as the glue in hospitals and clinics. I find purpose in wanting people who look like me to feel comfortable, seen, and heard in their care. There is an inherent lack of diversity and underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority professionals in the healthcare industry and I am interested in making a difference and representing others.
What’s your favorite: book, TV show, song/artist, movie or food?
My favorite show is Scandal and a slightly old one called Prison Break.
Urbana BSN Testimonial Heading link
Carmen Citlali Zavala Avalos
Hometown: Chicago
| May 2025
Why did you want to become a nurse? Heading link
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I knew I wanted to become a nurse when I realized the impact you can have on someone’s life when you are there for them in their most vulnerable moments. I’m passionate about helping people because there’s no feeling that compares to seeing a patient happy that someone cares for them.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Something I enjoy doing outside of school is hanging out with my nursing friends. It’s really fun to socialize with people who are similar to you or have the same interests.
What’s your favorite song/artist?
My favorite artist is Harry Styles. This man is the definition of kindness and his songs always make me feel better when I’m not in the best mood.
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Hunter Varnes
Hometown: Canton, Illinois
| May 2023
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student? Heading link
Describe your favorite moment as a nursing student?
As an individual who comes from a small, tight-knit community, it is a common concern that attending a large university will result in a loss of that atmosphere. However, UIC still provides me feelings of comfort and recognition. I even got to be the “face” of UIC Nursing on a bus advertisement in Urbana!
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I believe physicians focus on treating disease, while nurses focus on treating the human reaction to disease. I became a nurse to treat the patient as a whole – ranging from administering medications, caring for the family, providing discharge education, and being the overall primary manager of a patient’s care.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with friends from different academic backgrounds. We all bring something to the table, ranging from pre-med to accounting.
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Madison Preiser
Hometown: Homer Glen, 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?
I think one of the most gratifying things is being able to talk to patients during clinical. Most of them love talking to the nursing students as we are a new face that they see in the hospital.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
Outside of school, I love hanging with my friends and going to get coffee! If I’m taking a chill day, Netflix is always fun!
Urbana BSN Testimonial Heading link
Ellie Scott
Hometown: Northbrook, 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 attending the IPE event during my first semester. We got to simulate a medical emergency in collaboration with medical students. Working with each other and using our knowledge from the classroom was inspiring.
Why did you want to become a nurse?
What stands out to me about nursing is its combination of patient care and emotional support. As a patient care technician on a med-surg floor, I’m able to make patients feel like themselves again—even while hospitalized. I enjoy thinking on my feet and look forward to continually learning new approaches to treating patients.
What else are you involved in through school (clubs, groups, extracurriculars)?
At school, I play club soccer, serve as vice president of Chabad, take part in a Holocaust survivor project, and am a member of a sorority.
What’s your favorite TV show?
My favorite TV show is Gossip Girl. Guilty pleasure!
Urbana BSN Testimonial Heading link
Rachel Guzman
Hometown: Worth, Illinois
| May 2025
What has been your favorite moment as a UIC College of Nursing student? Heading link
What has been your favorite moment as a UIC College of Nursing student?
My favorite memories come from studying after lectures and on the weekends with other students from the program. No one is in competition with one another; the professors and students are all encouraging each other. Being in study groups helped us make sure we’re all on the “same page” with the material, and is a great example of how everyone wants the whole group to succeed.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
I love having time to myself but I also love being around people. For me, a perfect balance of the two really helps with my mental health. I like to watch popular series or movies, color in coloring books (an even better time when I can do it outside on the quad), karaoke to my jams, and take scenic walks. With my friends, we love going out to restaurants for lunch or dinner dates.