Meet Our Student Ambassadors

A second-year DNP student originally from Queens, NY, Alana currently lives in Richmond, VA, where she works as an emergency department float pool nurse. Outside of nursing, she loves spending time with her puppy, Ellie, traveling the world, and creating content for companies like Crocs, Celsius, and others.

Why did you choose UVA for your program?

I chose UVA after taking a travel nursing assignment in UVA Health’s emergency department. I immediately fell in love with the culture, the health system, and the people. Hearing positive experiences from friends who had gone through the School of Nursing’s DNP program, I was sold and had to see for myself.

What brought you to nursing, and what’s your ultimate career goal?

My passion for nursing began when I was very young. My siblings and I were playing video games when my older brother suddenly had a seizure. We had no idea what was happening and called 9-1-1. The EMS providers who arrived were calm, skilled, compassionate, and provided him with the best care. Later, seeing the nurses care for him in the emergency department was like watching real life superheroes. In my eyes, they’d saved my brother’s life. From that moment on, I knew that “saving lives” was what I wanted to do with my future. 

My ultimate career goal is to be the best provider I can be and to make a lasting difference in someone’s life—just like those nurses and medics did for my family many years ago.

What should prospective students know about the program you’re in?

Prospective students should know that the BSN to DNP program is completely doable—even if you're working full-time, raising a family, or balancing other responsibilities. I was initially nervous about managing it all, but the program is incredibly flexible and truly hybrid. The adjustment was smoother than I expected. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll do just fine!

Describe the School of Nursing in one word, and explain why.

DIVERSE. I’ve made friends with classmates and faculty from so many different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and with so many different life experiences. That diversity enriches the learning environment and adds so much value to the program. I commute over an hour to be part of this community—and I know I’m not alone—because this program is worth it!

Chelsea is from Gainesville, VA, and is a second-year student in the Accelerated BSN program at UVA. Before nursing school, she worked as a medical assistant at an urgent care clinic where she gained hands-on experience and discovered a genuine passion for patient care that fueled her decision to pursue nursing. Outside of nursing, she enjoys running, playing sports, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Why did you choose UVA?

I chose UVA because of its reputation for academic excellence and strong clinical preparation, but I was also drawn to the diversity of the student body and the welcoming feel of Charlottesville. It felt like the right place to grow—both personally and professionally.

What brought you to nursing, and what’s your ultimate career goal?

My older sister was the first person to spark my interest in nursing. Hearing about her experiences during clinicals—and the impact she had on her patients—inspired me to learn more. She helped me land a job as a medical assistant, where I worked alongside nurse practitioners and interacted with patients. That experience confirmed for me that nursing was the right path. My current goal is to gain experience in the ICU after earning a BSN and eventually become a nurse practitioner. One day, I hope to open a primary care practice focused on long-term relationships and preventative care.

What should prospective students know about the ABSN/BSN programs?

They’ll be deeply supported here. Whether it’s through faculty, advisors, classmates, or available resources, there’s always someone in your corner. You’re never left to figure things out alone—UVA truly wants to see you succeed both in and outside the classroom.

Describe the School of Nursing in one word, and explain why.

SUPPORTIVE. UVA’s School of Nursing truly meets you where you are. Whether you’re navigating academics, life challenges, or planning your future career, there’s always someone who’s ready to help. The people here genuinely care—not just about the kind of nurse you’ll become, but the kind of person you are.

Following her first career as a professional ballet dancer, Yeo became a nursing student and graduated with a BSN in 2024. A "Third Culture Kid" who can speak Indonesian, she was a Distinguished Major whose research on men and the HPV vaccine whet her appetite for nursing science in the PhD program. 

What's your ultimate career goal?

I am passionate about the nurse scientist’s role in contributing evidence to improve outcomes and change policies, all to promote the health and flourishing of human life. I hope, in my own way, to do just that.

Why did you choose UVA?

I was drawn to UVA because of the distinct culture of excellence and the commitment to be both great and good in all that we do. As nurses, it is not just what we do, but how we do it that matters. Those values are exemplified throughout our University. 

What should prospective students know about the PhD program?

The faculty here are unparalleled. We have the opportunity to be mentored by world-class scholars who care about us becoming ethical and inquisitive nurse scientists. The training in the PhD program equips us to go out into the world and contribute in our own unique ways, and the support we receive here makes the possibilities endless. 

Describe the School of Nursing in a word and explain why you chose that word.

TRANSFORMATIVE. Since coming to UVA, I’ve grown and been challenged more than I could have imagined. This is a transformative place full of inspiring people that will change you for the better. I have grown in skill, knowledge, and heart here.

Former rugby player and special education teacher, dog-mom to four rescue dogs, new mom, and Clinical Nurse Leader student whose parachute once malfunctioned during a skydive (she's fine!). A new mom and Taiwan native, Sandy hopes ultimately to become a nurse anesthetist and a nursing faculty member to "share our love of teaching and learning." She's a full-time CNL student, a two-year, fast-track-to-nursing program for individuals with at least a bachelor's degree in a field outside of nursing.

Why did you choose UVA? 

I chose UVA because of the depth of support, care, and encouragement I received prior to applying to the program. The School's support of its students was authentic and palpable throughout every information session and individual meeting I sought as I was welcomed with generous attention and genuine concern.

What should prospective students know about the CNL program? 

It's every bit as enriching and dynamic as it appears. The unique nature of this path emerges from day one, and it is truly a group of individuals who make up each cohort.

Describe the School of Nursing in a word and explain why you chose that word. 

EVOLVING. One of the most critical components that make up any practice that seeks to support people and stimulate impactful change embraces the evolutionary nature of its work. The UVA School of Nursing upholds the value of stretching in order to grow, and it remains an honor to take part in this movement.

Tyler is originally from Chesterfield, VA, and has also lived in Farmville, Appomattox, and now Crozet with his wife and daughter, with another baby on the way. Before becoming a nurse, he worked as a medic in the Virginia Army National Guard and as a firefighter and paramedic. In addition to being an RN to BSN student, he currently works in UVA’s thoracic cardiovascular ICU, where he shares the unit—and a love of cardiac care—with his wife, who’s also a nurse. He also enjoys backpacking, cycling, and exploring virtual reality worlds—sometimes with unintended wall collisions!

Why did you choose UVA?

I chose UVA for its exceptional culture that I experienced while working at UVA Health. I had to see if the academic side could match, and I’m happy to report that the University and the Health System are two sides of the same coin! This program has been supportive, flexible, and relevant to both my nursing practice and professional development.

Why nursing, and what’s your ultimate career goal?

Nursing drew me in with its structured career path, educational opportunities, better work-life balance, and diverse roles. My ultimate goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist while still being able to soak up adventures with my growing family.

What should prospective students know about the RN to BSN program?

Prospective students should know that, despite my initial apprehensions about returning to school, UVA has exceeded my expectations. Balancing work, family, and studies has been manageable, thanks to the program's quality and support. I enjoy my classes, my relationships with professors and peers, and have honestly never felt more capable professionally. My wife and I both work and are raising a toddler with another one on the way. At no point have I felt like the workload is unmanageable or regretted my decision to go back to school. The RN to BSN program is top notch, and I’m happy that I found it.

Describe the School of Nursing in a word and explain why you chose that word.

REWARDING. Being part of this program has given me a deep sense of confidence and belonging—and has shown me that there are truly no limits to what a person can achieve through nursing. Before starting school to earn a BSN, I assumed nursing would just be a job—something where I’d find the specialty I could tolerate most while counting the hours until the end of my shift. What I discovered instead is that nursing is a launchpad. With a BSN, you can work across a wide range of specialties inside and outside the hospital and support a family. 

Want to advance into leadership, education, or advanced practice? There’s the MSN or DNP. Interested in research? PhD. And no matter which direction you choose, the programs are built to support your goals while still fitting into real life. This program helped me see myself as a lifelong learner—and once that door opened, the opportunities haven’t stopped showing up.