Hi! I’m Vicky, a Penn Nursing student with interests in public health, healthcare policy, and management. Outside of school and work, I love exploring new places, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends, and meeting people from different backgrounds. I’m always happy to share my experience at Penn and what I’ve learned along the way!

Hometown

Dallas, Texas

Major(s)

Nursing

Minor(s)

Health Services Management and Bioethics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Student Nurses at Penn, Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP), National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), PennFirstPlus, Leonard Davis Institute Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research (SUMR) Program, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Describe your college experience

Coming to Penn was a big transition, especially learning to navigate college independently and find my place in such a large community. Over time, I found that community through nursing, research, advocacy, and leadership, and my college experience has pushed me to explore interests beyond the classroom while becoming more confident in the direction I want to take after graduation.

Tip for future students

Don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out when you arrive. Try things, talk to people outside your usual circles, and take advantage of opportunities that interest you, even if they weren’t part of your original plan.

Favorite class

Negotiations because I learned different techniques and my professor was amazing!

Career goals

After college, I hope to pursue graduate education in public health and build a career in healthcare management and policy, using my clinical background to help improve how healthcare systems are designed and delivered.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is getting dinner with friends, watching a movie or show, and having absolutely nothing on my to-do list for once.

High school or secondary school

Ray Braswell High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is Locust Walk, especially when the weather is nice. I love how it brings together so many different parts of Penn—you’re almost guaranteed to run into someone you know, see student groups tabling, or just get a few minutes to enjoy campus between classes.