Meet Sarah Kenny, a second-semester graduate student in the MSN program, Family Nurse Practitioner track. In addition to working and studying, Sarah has a passion for volunteering.
What inspired you to join the Graduate Professional Board? How did you hear about it?
I was thinking about how I could serve the School of Nursing when an email arrived from the Graduate and Professional Student Government. I went to their website. The mission seemed like a way for me to serve the school, and the time commitment was within my availability.
How has your service been so far?
It has been a great way for me to learn about other opportunities like the Elite 50, Student Supreme Court, IU Indy Regatta, and student health insurance.
Have you participated in any other service activities?
I was very active in my undergrad serving on the Dean's Advisory Board, founder of our Student Nurse's Association Chapter, and on the executive panel of my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. I hope to be more active in my graduate studies as I learn more about what this organization and others have to offer. Also since I live in Bloomington, I am interested in ways we can collaborate with the General Assembly here as well. I am also a member of the Red Cross and volunteer with my church outreach program.
Why did you choose nursing? And then, why grad school?
My grandmother, Joann Daily, inspired me to become a nurse. At a young age, she exposed me to the sterile walls inside the Columbus Regional Hospital and took me to visit a couple of clients. This is when I learned about the interpersonal role of the nurse as a healer. My mother took a job at my alma mater, Robert Morris University, so I applied to their inaugural nursing program.
It has always been a goal to further my education. There were opportunities and challenges along the way that took priority, and I'm better prepared for grad school now that I have experience in the field. My goal is to promote the vision and values of nursing while solving the problem of provider shortages.
Anything else you’d like to share?
One last thing I'd like to share is the importance of perseverance in reaching your goals. At some point, you may face self-doubt, physical injury or illnesses, rejection, poverty, losing a loved one, or struggling to succeed in your selected career. Keep going, keep doing, however small, don't give up!