Abbey Bazinet (Paxton, MA), Brianna Tooley (Brimfield, MA), and Clare Jankowski (Plymouth, MA) are three Anna Maria College Nursing seniors who are getting ready to graduate and enter the real world. Last year, two of these students were part of a group who assisted during a medical emergency at Ten West in Paxton. Our nursing students take the education they earn in the classroom and use it to help others in the communities around them.
Clubs/On-Campus Jobs:
Abbey: I worked as a theology tutor during the Fall semester of 2022. Now, I serve as the Treasurer for the Student Nurse Association.
Brianna: Student Nurse Association (SNA) – Vice President
Clare: I am very involved on campus and serves as a Resident Assistant, Admissions Ambassador, President of Programs and Activities Council, Vice President of Student Government Association, and Treasurer of Anna Maria’s American Cancer Society Chapter.
Why did you decide to study at Anna Maria College?
Abbey: I transferred to Anna Maria in May 2021. I guess it was meant to be for me to go to Anna Maria!
Brianna: Anna Maria is a smaller college with a welcoming community that makes the higher ed experience less intimidating.
Clare: My cousin came here, which is how I first heard of the college. Then, Anna Maria College provided me with many opportunities to become a part of something on campus while studying.
What is your favorite Anna Maria memory?
Abbey: Thinking back on it now, my favorite memory would have to be my first few days of lab in NUS211. Each nursing student was checked individually to see if we were all dressed according to the nursing handbook, and we were all tested on if we knew how to properly wash our hands. To look back now and see how much I and all the nursing students in my class have grown over the past few years is incredible.
Brianna: The SNA Halloween party!
Clare: Some of my favorite memories include going to NYC and seeing Wicked with my friends, Lip Sync Battles, our presentation nights, and recreations of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Pitch Perfect.
What are your plans after graduation?
Abbey: I have already accepted a nursing position at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus. I will work as a level one trauma cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse, and I plan on going back to school for my Master’s in Nursing Education.
Brianna: I will be starting as a nurse in a medical intensive care unit at Baystate Medical Center.
Clare: My goal is to hopefully become an emergency pediatric nurse.
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in Anna Maria?
Abbey: Get involved with Anna Maria clubs and/or jobs! Working as the Treasurer for the Student Nurse Association I have had the pleasure of volunteering with WhyMe, Abby’s House, Veteran’s INC., and the Anna Maria College Food Pantry. At the end of the day, you take time out of your busy day to help better the lives of others, and that is truly the most rewarding feeling.
Brianna: Go wherever your dreams will be fulfilled.
Clare: Get involved, it will help you with time management, making friends, and building your resume!
