Christine Paul Cardenas
There were a handful of reasons I decided to attend classes at Herzing’s Kenosha campus. A friend and student of Herzing told me about the school, and when I looked into it, I found they had an LPN-to-BSN bridge program and would accept my transfer credits as well.
I had been working in long-term care for over six years and wanted to see a different side of nursing. Herzing offered me the chance to finish school at a faster pace than others in a program I was highly interested in. With all of this in mind, I decided to give Herzing a shot!
I had a great experience with my courses while attending the school and was even able to take some online. I’d say that was one of the best parts of Herzing since I could do my homework anytime and anywhere! I also had a great experience with simulations in the school's labs, since they were perfect for us to practice with our instructors in a controlled situation.
The hardest part of my education wasn't studying, but rather studying while being sick. I had acute maxillary sinusitis and my asthma was also flaring up during my last semester, making it hard to focus on my studies. Even though I couldn't breathe easily without pain, I knew I was so close to finishing my degree, so I pushed forward. Reminding myself of the Iron Lady of Asia, the late Philippine Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago helped motivate me. She was one of my idols when I was younger, and fought hard for what was right and had a never-give-up attitude that I decided to channel.
I kept telling myself that if she did it, I can too. Even though I knew it wasn't ideal or typical to force myself beyond my limits, my professors encouraged me to keep doing my best throughout the ordeal. I blew my stuffy nose and I studied all day and night, eventually passing my exams!
Everybody at Herzing is nice and friendly, and I became happier here. It's very different from my past experiences in schools overseas and in Illinois! Thanks to everyone’s help, I’m officially a grad and am planning to look for an RN position in a hospital setting. I’m looking forward to having a position that’s different from those I had as an LPN!
