TAKING THE LEAD Sara Spoone came to the College of Nursing after both her father and older brother graduated from the University of South Carolina. She chose to pursue nursing after watching her aunt work in the pediatric ICU. Spoone is also interested in pediatrics, though right now, she wants to experience the many potential career paths nursing offers. During her time at South Carolina, she stays busy with school and sporting events. She also helped start a local chapter of the Nurses Christian Fellowship. When a professor approached her about starting the organization, she described it as an opportunity she could not pass up. Spoone shared that she sees college as a freeing environment where students can find their calling. Even though she knew starting an organization from scratch would be difficult, she said she saw a chance to bring nursing students together in a community. Now the president of the organization, she and the other members celebrated their first official year as a chapter.
After moving all over the country in a military family, Shatoria Sandlain has made a home at the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina. In her time pursuing her undergraduate degree in nursing, Sandlain has balanced schoolwork, friendships, and her sorority, Chi Eta Phi, of which she is now president. When asked how she handles it all, she said, “Stay organized and avoid procrastination. Find a hobby, too.” As the president of her nursing sorority’s chapter, her priorities have been expanding their membership and focusing on communication. Her past opportunities in volunteering and leadership roles helped prepare her to step into her current position. She found that building connections has created a gateway for her future. She hopes to continue to foster relationships in Columbia that will lead to a local job. Additionally, she plans to continue her education and become a certified midwife. Her positive connection to professors in the college instilled in her a life-long love for learning.
24/COLLEGE OF NURSING
