Student Spotlight: Sarah Brueckner- From homeschooling to future trauma nurse
by Jessica Degnan |
Sarah Brueckner, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing student at UAA's School of Nursing, lives in Seward, 麻豆无码版, and dreams of being a trauma nurse. A proud homeschooling mother of seven鈥攐ne of her greatest accomplishments鈥擲arah was also homeschooled, requiring her to earn her GED at 39 before pursuing her nursing education. Now, she balances nursing school with family life, drawing strength from her supportive cohort, clinical instructors, and husband. Sarah's hard work and academic excellence has earned her a spot in Alpha Delta Nu, the National Honor Society for AAS students. Her secret to success? Faith, family, and always getting seven hours of sleep!
Name: Sarah Brueckner
Major: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Anticipated graduation date: May 2025
Unit: School of Nursing
Hometown: Seward, 麻豆无码版
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?:
In 2020 I began exploring my options for becoming an RN. I have a family, and leaving the state for education was not an option I would entertain. Once I spoke with a representative from UAA's College of Health, I knew that I wanted to begin taking the prerequisite classes I needed to apply for the nursing program.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
It has been my desire to serve in the healthcare community for many years. Now that my children are older, the timing is perfect! My dream job would be to become a trauma nurse who provides care in areas experiencing disaster or war.
What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations, etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?:
I live in Seward and commute to KPC in Soldotna for classes and clinical assignments. I also have three remaining children at home. This limits my socialization to my incredible cohort and very supportive family. The amazing women in my cohort, as well as my nurturing clinical instructors have brought with them rich backgrounds and experiences that have been a powerful and shaping influence during my two years of nursing school.
Have you been involved with internships, practicum placements, research, study abroad, or any other experience you鈥檇 like to tell us about?:
I have spent my life raising the seven beautiful children my husband and I have been blessed with. They are the reason I am the woman I am today. They have shaped my character, been my joy, and have made motherhood my proudest accomplishment. I am a home school mom and being able to learn with my kids has given me the tools I needed to be a successful college student.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
-Find a mentor. Choose someone who inspires you and is willing to say the hard things you need to hear in order to be the best you can be.
-Find that thing that keeps you sane and make sure you take the time for it often!
-Pray. Prayer gets our eyes off of ourselves and onto Someone bigger than us. Prayer brings peace, purpose, and gratitude. Prayer is a lifeline when life spins out of our control.
What was your favorite class while here at UAA, and why?:
My favorite class was Perinatal Nursing with Professors Claire Werth and Katie Shull. I love pregnant bellies, babies, and new mamas! The professors were fantastic and our clinical days had me leaving L&D with stars in my eyes. I wish I could see babies born everyday!
What is a cause you care about?:
has a DART program (Disaster Assistance Response Team) that travels all over the world providing medical care, water, food, and shelter to victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disasters. I love that they give of their time and talents to come alongside those in need offering protection and hope!
Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?:
Can I choose two? BOTH of my clinical instructors, Rebecca Stoeckler and Heather Moon are inspiring, supportive, and skilled in their instruction. They both convey wisdom from their experiences and passion for the profession in the education of their students.
What is your plan after graduation?:
My plan after school is to begin a residency program through Providence at the Seward Emergency Department and begin my career as an ED nurse.
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
"Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, nevertheless they give up their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have, we live it as we believe in living it, and then it is gone. But to surrender what you are, and live without belief that's more terrible than dying - more terrible than dying young."
~Joan of Arc
The reason I love this quote is because it reminds me to live everyday in the passion of my purpose.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?:
I love trail running, training for marathons, reading, and travel.
Tell us about an obstacle you overcame:
I was home schooled back when home school was unheard of (yes, I'm that old, age 44)! Because of this I finished my education without accreditation of any kind. When I began exploring my options to become a nurse, I realized that I would need to get my GED before being accepted into college. I earned my GED at age 39 in July of 2020, and began taking classes at UAA in August of that same year.
What is your secret to college success?:
The secret to my college success is Jesus, my husband Doyle, friends/family that pray for me, and getting 7 hours of sleep every night!