Emily Sims
Bell Buckle, TN

Hi, I'm Emily Sims from Bell Buckle, Tennessee and I'm one! I'm one of Tennessee's Best! I want you to be one, too.

Picking a university is just the start of a long process, although the choice is mainly dependent on the academic reputation of the school, it is also imperative for the school to be welcoming and have the social aspects to fit the needs of the student. For me personally, all of these aspects of a university were covered so when it came time for me to choose which university I would attend, I didn't hesitate to choose MTSU. Perhaps the most influential determinant in my decision to choose this University was its outstanding reputation for its Nursing program. I have always wanted to become a nurse because I have always had a passion and desire to help people. I knew from my research that MTSU has one of the top nursing programs in the country. I knew upon my acceptance to the program and after speaking with nursing faculty that I would be receiving superior education and experience through clinical to equip me to be a great nurse. It is an honor and privilege to be with families as they bring life into this world, improve in their conditions, and also as they leave this world. My career will truly be rewarding.

I also chose MTSU because of the class sizes. Although this is a huge university, you as a student are not just a number. The majority of my classes have had such small ratios that the teachers learned our names, met with us individually in their office hours, and were available to us at our requests. Here at MTSU the professors really do care about you and are willing to help you meet your goals of success not only in the classroom, but your future profession as well.

I also received several scholarships that allowed me to achieve my goal of remaining debt-free throughout college. I received the Edscholar from MTSU, the lottery scholarship, one from Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, Bedford County Board of Education and Kiwanis Club. I am the eldest of five children, so I worked hard through high school to maintain the grades I needed to receive this financial aid in order to give my parents one less person to worry about when it came to funding a college education. It also eliminated the stress of having to have a full time job. I can still be involved in activities and clubs on campus while maintaining academic success without having to worry as much about my finances.

MTSU also has many opportunities for everyone to get involved while on campus. There is no reason each and every student shouldn't feel a part of the university! I am currently an active member of the National Student Nurses Association, Student Nurses Association Community Service Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, a member at my college and career class at Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church, and attend the Baptist Collegiate Ministries here on campus. Community service is also a huge part of my life and I get involved on and off campus to better the community.

I've had a great experience thus far and it only continues to get better as I move closer to my goal of becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Come join me at MTSU and you too can be one of Tennessee's best!