Benedictine Experience at University of Mary

When I started at the University of Mary I was very nervous since I'm an older adult in classes with professors who are younger than I am and with students the same age of my children. However, within a few short weeks, during our first summer of year-around-classes our little cohort of 9 bonded tightly and remained so for the remained of the nursing school, even with the addition of more students. Eventually, our senior class expanded to 41 and was very warm and close-knit. We have a GroupMe message of all of us and we all help one another find answers to many questions we all are having. This close community of nursing students has made me feel more welcomed and at home than I have ever expected. 

During my time at the University of Mary, we had students leave and come into our cohort. Every time we had a new member, the cohort was very welcoming and embraced them with open arms and brought them into our fold as if they had always been with us. 

The University of Mary is very welcoming with their hospitality and respect. I learned to be more humble, quieter, and appreciative for those around me. It was a struggle being a non-traditional student, and older than all my classmates, but once I learned to take a step back and listen more it is when I truly started learning. All the professors, advisors, and staff truly wish to see every student succeed. Their example of respect for their students was evident and mirrored back. 

I'm not a Catholic or very religious in general, however, the daily prayers prior to each class I started to look forward to and enjoy. It was a great way to center myself and quiet my mind and prep myself to learn. I enjoyed the creativeness and adaptability of the Professors to find prayers that fit our needs in the moment. 

The University of Mary is devoted in servicing the community and others, and it is very evident in the many events held throughout the year. I became to enjoy the classroom break from lectures to help service our community at different events, from assisting at the senior living center, Community Day at the State capital, and many other small events around the city. It helped me see appreciate different views of our community in the perspective of a nurse, student, and member all in one. 

The University of Mary strives to balance it's courses with different aspects to learning, and it's not a one-size-fit all approach. I appreciated the professors use of different teaching methods and adaptability and willingness to listen to student concerns. I learn to listen more and take in more of my surrounds and other's point of views.