Caitlin Weller
Murfreesboro, TN

I'm Caitlin Weller and I'm one, one of Tennessee's Best.

But I almost wasn't. I grew up in New York, Michigan, and here in Murfreesboro. While growing up, I had my heart set on going to a private school. I wanted to go somewhere small to study nursing, but the first time I walked into the nursing building on campus and saw the honor code—knowledge, compassion, integrity, and skill—I knew I wanted to go to Middle Tennessee State University. The honor code put into words the reasons I wanted to go into nursing. I was impressed that MTSU built its program around those ideals. The more I learned about the nursing program—how high the students scores were on the NCLEX, how competitive it is to get into the program, how well respected MTSU's nurses are—the more I wanted to be a part of it. I didn't realize what a wonderful thing I had right in my own backyard. When it came down to it, MTSU just had the best program and it happened to be in Murfreesboro.

I had been familiar with MTSU because I played volleyball for my high school and we came to campus often to play. I thought I knew MTSU because I grew up here, but, I learned MTSU wasn't what I thought it was. Even though I have lived in Murfreesboro for awhile, life is totally different once you are enrolled. Living on campus my first year really helped me connect to the University.

I started my education thinking that I wanted to pursue a master's degree and eventually would become either a physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner. But once I was immersed in the nursing program and began to experience and learn about the unique holistic treatment that nurses provide to their patients, I began to change my mind. I wanted to focus on being a nurse. Now, looking back on my education in the program, I am thankful that the nursing faculty has at its heart a student-centered approach to teaching. I knew my professors cared about me and will continue to encourage me to develop the skills I'll need for whatever I may face as a nurse. They have a dynamic approach to education that will serve me no matter where I go in my career.

I've been very fortunate when it comes to scholarships—I went to college without having to pay any of my tuition. I leave MTSU with a great education and debt-free. I had the Provost, the Hope, and the Richard Seigel Foundation Scholarships, as well as a Tractor Supply Scholarship that came from my dad's employer. I'm not only received a better education than I would have at a smaller, private school, but I am got it for about one-eighth the cost.

The scholarships gave me the opportunity to focus on my studies. Since my scholarships paid for just about everything, I didn't feel pressured to work lots of hours. On my days off from school, I didn't have to worry about working to pay my bills; instead I could just study. The scholarships allowed me to make school my job.

They also allowed me to be more involved on campus. Since I played volleyball competitively in high school, I joined the intramural volleyball program, and it was a lot of fun. I was also involved in the Student Nurses Association as a member of one of its committees, Breakthrough to Nursing, which focuses on helping middle and high school students learn more about the nursing profession. I joined a sorority—Alpha Delta Pi. My membership offered me the chance to be involved in things that I never would have tried. Not only have I had the opportunity to work with the Ronald McDonald House (our sorority's national philanthropy), but I was part of Up 'Til Dawn helping raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Being Greek and partaking in some of the activities associated with Greek Life allowed me to meet many people. It's been invaluable to me to really branch out and meet people with whom I might not have interacted.

And it can be like that for everyone. There are many opportunities on campus that allow anyone to try something new, meet new people, and experience new things. We have some of the top programs in the country—Nursing, Aerospace, Recording Industry—there is something for everyone here. With all the student organizations, there is always something happening. Don't assume MTSU is the same old school that you think you know about.

After five semesters in the nursing program at MTSU I graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in the Science of Nursing. I was fortunate to have many unique opportunities and experiences during my time at MTSU. I had clinical rotations in many different health care venues from the Health Department to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. I even had some really different experiences such as giving flu shots at the Nissan headquarters in Cool Springs and becoming certified in Guided Imagery. One of the most memorable experiences I had was being involved with Special Kids. Special Kids is an awesome local non-profit organization that provides skilled nursing care for kids who can't attend a regular day care facility because they have too many health needs. I joined Team Athletes for Special Kids (Team ASK) after my rotation there and in January I ran the Disney World Half Marathon to raise money for Special Kids. The School of Nursing at MTSU really encourages community service and outreach, whether it is through volunteering at a local organization such as the Salvation Army or hosting a community health fair, community service has been a large part of my education and will continue to be a large part of my career.

All these experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Having these opportunities allowed me to see a variety of areas in nursing and helped guide me in choosing an area that was right for me. During my college career I worked as an extern at a surgery center where I had a clinical rotation and also participated in the Veterans' Administration Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) program. I was invited to join Sigma Theta Tau International nursing honors society in Spring 2009. This summer I was nominated to the Region 8 Junior Board and traveled to Birmingham for a conference attended by several other delegates from other nursing schools in the Southeast such as UAB, UT, and Ole Miss. I was also active in the Student Nurse Association and now plan to continue my membership as a member of Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA). Prior to graduating I had four different job offers which can truly attest to the reputation of MTSU's School of Nursing. I chose a job in the Emergency Room where the fast pace and high energy environment was perfect for my personality. After graduating I passed my NCLEX on the first try and I am now looking forward to achieving my CEN (certification for emergency nurses) and I would also like to pursue further education in holistic nursing. I would like to get a few years of experience before I begin working on my master's degree.

I feel my education at MTSU has prepared me well for my career and continuing my education. The strong reputation of MTSU's School of Nursing in the medical community makes me proud to be a Blue Raider alumnae.

Take a look. You'll be glad you did. Then, you can be one, too.