MEET ULYANA SMEREK (’19)
In honor of National Nurses Day, we caught up with one of our amazing Scholars, Ulyana Smerek (’19), who is currently studying Nursing at Loyola University Chicago. She hails from the Jefferson Park neighborhood and graduated from Taft High School. Check out the interview to see what her experience as a nursing major is like and how she chose to become a nurse.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO NURSING?
My mom is a home care nurse and I grew up watching her work and listen to her tell us about both the most rewarding and challenging days she’s had. I’ve always liked working with people so when it came down to applying to colleges senior year, I would envision my future 10 years from then and I could only see myself as a nurse.
WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT TERM PLANS ONCE YOU GRADUATE FROM YOUR UNDERGRAD?
As of right now, I am really interested in being a labor and delivery nurse, so I hope to get a job at one of the hospitals in Chicago. I would also work on getting my Masters degree!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BECOMING A NURSE?
I look forward to becoming an advocate for every single person I care for and hope that I positively impact even a small portion of the patient’s life. I am also excited to see the vast majority of opportunities out there for nurses!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A NURSING MAJOR SO FAR?
Becoming friends with all of my classmates – we’ve gotten quite close after performing countless head to toe physical assessments on each other before competencies!
We’re so proud of Ulyana’s accomplishments so far and can’t wait to see her succeed as a nurse in Chicago! Ulyana’s determination to give back to her community as a nurse and make an impact in people’s lives is one of the qualities that makes her a true Chicago Scholar. We’re rooting for you, Ulyana!
