The IU Indianapolis Top 100 list celebrates students who are making a lasting impact on campus through leadership, service, and academic excellence. Get to know IU School of Nursing honoree—Jaci Page, Class of 2026 BSN Honors student—as she shares her story and what this honor signifies.
What does being named a Top 100 student mean to you?
Page: Being named a Top 100 student means a lot to me because it reflects the hard work, growth, and dedication I have put into my time at IU Indianapolis. Nursing school has challenged me academically, personally, and professionally, so being recognized in this way feels very meaningful. It is not just an award to me, but a reminder of how much I have learned and how far I have come. I moved four hours away from home to a school where I knew no one, and this honor has proven I've made a positive impact.
How have your extracurricular activities or leadership roles shaped your experience as a student at IU School of Nursing?
My extracurricular activities and leadership roles have played a huge part in shaping my experience at the IU School of Nursing. Through involvement in student organizations like Jagathon, tutoring, and clinical experiences, I have been able to build confidence, strengthen my communication skills, and connect with other students who share similar goals. These experiences have helped me grow as both a leader and a future nurse by teaching me how to support others, work as part of a team, and stay committed to service, advocacy, and research.
Who has had the greatest influence on your nursing journey and why?
The greatest influence on my nursing journey has been the nurses I have worked with throughout school, especially those who have taken the time to teach, encourage, and believe in me. Seeing experienced nurses care for patients with both skill and compassion, while being sure to be open and honest with me for improvement, has shown me the kind of nurse I hope to become. Their guidance has helped me grow more confident in my abilities and reminded me that nursing is not only about clinical knowledge, but also about empathy, patience, and human connection.
What are your goals after graduation and how do hope to make a difference as a nurse?
After graduation, I will begin working as a pediatric nurse at Riley where I can care for children and support their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I have always been drawn to pediatrics because of the unique opportunity to build trust with both patients and their families while helping children feel safe and supported during hospitalization. As I grow in my career, I hope to continue developing my clinical skills and eventually pursue opportunities in nursing education. My long-term goal is to teach future nurses at the college level. Throughout nursing school, I have discovered how much I enjoy helping other students learn and understand complex concepts, and I would love to use my clinical experience to help prepare the next generation of nurses.
I hope to make a difference by providing compassionate, patient-centered care while also contributing to the education and mentorship of future nurses. By combining bedside experience with teaching, I hope to, one day, positively impact both the patients I care for and the students I help guide into the profession.
