“As past president of the Student Nurses’ Association at UH Manoa, I would highly encourage all student nurses to get involved with the school to make the most out of your education. By getting involved with SNA you can participate in great leadership opportunities, volunteer activities, and social events. Being the SNA president really taught me a lot about myself and helped me to become the professional nurse I am today. I learned and practiced leading teams, delegation skills, and time management. I was also fortunate to participate in the national NSNA convention to see first hand how students can have an influence on the nursing profession. My position as president allowed me to speak my voice on behalf of the nursing student body and participate on school committees. Participating with SNA has been a wonderful experience!!” – Kiki Thurston, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2019
“As a Nursing Student Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a community that fostered my growth as a student nurse and as a person. I was proud to be an official student representative responsible for leading tours of our high-fidelity simulation center, volunteering for school events and fundraisers, and overall being a positive role model for my classmates. This program provided me with ample networking opportunities and helped me create meaningful connections with professional nurses. This program gently nudged me out of my comfort zone, and I am grateful to be the professional nurse that it has molded me into.” – Reece Bonilla, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2019
“As a student, UH Manoa Nursing gave me invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities I would not have found anywhere else. We had high fidelity simulations, mock interviews with prominent hospital managers and staff, a student ambassador program, and a multitude of scholarships just to name a few. I recently joined the UH Manoa Nursing Alumni Association and enjoy working with my former teachers and being at the forefront of planning networking and fundraising events to benefit current students. I look forward to giving students the tools to their success in school and their upcoming careers.” – Perry Tsuruoka, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2014
“Growing up on Maui truly made me appreciate the ability of small, tight knit communities to accomplish amazing things! Because of my mom’s position at a local non-profit, I was constantly exposed to projects and events that helped vulnerable populations achieve success, so I always knew helping people would be a part of my career. Coming to Oahu for nursing school has allowed me to experience new things while remaining in Hawaii! I think that the best part of my experience at UH Manoa Nursing has been the fact that from the beginning it has been extremely hands on, and throughout the semesters you get to immerse yourself in some of the main nursing specialties so that you can find out what you like best!” – Carissa Ratte, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2018
“In 2009, I joined the U.S. Navy and served our country for 6 years. I have always wanted to become a nurse and dream to reenlist as a Navy nurse to save lives. I received financial scholarship that supports my nursing academic journey, and it has truly made a huge difference for me. I am thankful for the benevolent hearts who help students like me become the best nurses we can be.” – John Cary Nuez, Undergraduate Nursing Student Veteran, Class of 2019