#MeetUsMonday - Meet UVA Students Sophie, Kelsey, and Gib Studying Abroad in Australia

Meet fourth-year BSN students Sophie, Kelsey, and Gib.

A triplet, potato-lover, and Danville, VA, native who knows how to do a headstand (Sophie). An EMT and future ER nurse from Darien, CT, who can do the “worm” (Kelsey). A twin, an EMT, and a Baltimore, MD, native who loves whitewater kayaking (Gib). Fourth-year BSN students currently studying in Australia in “Brissy” (Brisbane), part of a semester-long exchange with the University of Queensland who are spending the fall semester digging into differences and similarities between the two countries’ healthcare systems.

PATH TO NURSING

(Sophie) “My path to nursing always comes back to my dad. He’s had a couple of heart attacks, skin cancer surgeries, and various other health problems. He always spoke so highly of the nurses who cared for him during his stays at the hospital and outpatient visits, which sparked my interest to pursue nursing as a career.”

"There’s nothing like immersing yourself in a new culture to learn not just about the world and other people but about yourself, too.”

BSN student Kelsey Olvany

(Gib) “I initially started my time in the College of Arts and Sciences, thinking I wanted to be a doctor, but a friend of mine in the nursing school helped me realize that nursing was much more aligned with what I loved about healthcare and that is interacting closely with patients and their families and making an impact in their lives. I transferred into the School of Nursing at the start of my third year.”

(Kelsey) “I’ve always been drawn to emergency medicine—I love the fast pace, the unpredictability, and, most of all, the different people you meet. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being present for someone during one of their most vulnerable moments.”

FAVORITE PART OF NURSING SCHOOL

(Gib) “My favorite part of nursing school has always been clinicals, but I particularly enjoyed working with Laurel Geis as a clinical tutor last semester with an awesome group of second year nursing students!”

(Kelsey) “Hands down, the relationships I’ve built in the School. They’ve truly been the backbone of my UVA experience: the support, laughter, and shared sense of purpose makes a real community.”

(Sophie) “Clinical rotations and all the different specialty areas that we get to learn in. It’s nice that we can explore some of these in nursing school as opposed to getting a job in a specialty and not liking it as much as you thought you would.”

WHY STUDY ABROAD?

(Kelsey) “During my gap year, I lived in Spain and it completely changed my perspective on life. It taught me resilience, curiosity about the world, and how much growth comes from being uncomfortable. So, when the chance came up to study abroad again, I jumped. There’s nothing like immersing yourself in a new culture to learn not just about the world and other people but about yourself, too.”

(Gib) “I chose to do the 3-year BSN transfer program because of the opportunity to study abroad in Australia . . . it’s such an amazing opportunity to learn and grow in a new environment and I know that the skills I have built around being adaptable will be really useful after graduation.”

(Sophie) “I wanted to experience how healthcare works in a different country and how cultural differences can impact patient care and outcomes. Another big reason is having the opportunity to meet so many people from all over the world. It’s awesome to see how similar and different we all are, especially since we grew up in very different areas of the world. Also, having the privilege to explore as well as see the beauty and culture of another country is the most life-changing experience ever. I think everyone should experience an exchange at least once!”

INTRIGUING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE . . . AND CULTURE

(Sophie) “The use of paper charting as well as a medication room instead of a Pyxis! It’s been cool to see the advantages and disadvantages of both and how it impacts the speed of care as well as medication administration. Also: there’s a different vibe in Australia . . . One of my favorite things so far is how relaxed Aussies are and that you can wear flip flops (Aussies call them ‘thongs’) or go barefoot most places!”

(Kelsey) “Australians really know how to live. They’ve got a laid-back style, and the world-life balance here is such a refreshing shift from the constant hustle back home. Days start early, and the cities are alive with people walking, biking, surfing, and just hanging out! It’s motivating to start your day and get outside. Australia is also massive. There’s always more to explore, and I love that.”

(Gib) “Everything about Australia has been intriguing so far! It’s been interesting attending school in a major city after spending the past four years in Charlottesville. It’s also been super interesting to navigate and come to understand the intersection between the public and private systems that both operate in Australia. Also, mixing all of our own medications is crazy!”

THE SCHOOL IN A WORD?

(Sophie) “SUPPORTIVE. From my first year to my fourth year, I have always felt supported in lectures, clinicals, and outside of the classroom. It’s amazing to have a supportive community, from your nursing peers to your professors and advisors. The School also has so many resources to help you succeed and make the most of your time at UVA!”

(Gib) “CONNECTION. After spending two years in the College of Arts and Sciences, I have developed a deep appreciation for the sense of community and family that the School of Nursing fosters through its small class sizes and cohort learning structure.”

(Kelsey) “DRIVEN. Everyone at the School is so passionate, motivated, and we push each other to do our best. Amidst the chaos of clinicals, class, and college life, we keep it real and have fun!”

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Curious about how YOU can take part in a study abroad as a BSN student? Join associate professor Cathy Campbell, Global Initiatives director, for a study abroad info session on Oct. 15 at 12 PM! RSVP here.

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