Commencement Spotlight: Jenna Cunningham

Jenna Cunningham
College of Health Sciences and Professions
OHIO Eastern
Nursing
St. Clairsville, Ohio
Jenna is the Vice President of the 2023 BSN Class, and a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing
 
What are your next steps or plans for the future? 
My next step after graduating with my BSN is to pass my NCLEX boards and become a Registered Nurse! I hope to work on the Mother-Baby unit that I am currently employed on because I really enjoy it and have found my passion in nursing.

Why did you choose to major in Nursing at OHIO Eastern? 
It was close to home, and I loved the idea of smaller class sizing. Before the program started I came for an open house, and ever since that night I knew it would be my home for the next four years. Most of my family are Bobcat Alumni as well!

Who were your favorite professors or preceptors and how did they make an impact on your life? 
Every nursing faculty member was very helpful in the last four years. They all gave us their undivided time, knowledge, and encouraged us to be the best nurses we can be. A special thanks to Professors Dr. Susan Dowell and Kayla Lucarelli for inspiring me and sparking my interest in the Maternity-Newborn and Pediatric units. As well as a big thank you to the Mother-Baby unit and the nurses for taking me in and precepting me. I truly found my passion because of all of you.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? 
Nursing in general has been very challenging, but extremely worth it. I had endless support from my family and friends, and I am very grateful for that. I also knew that if I was having a hard time, any of the nursing faculty would be there to help me whether it was just to talk or to give advice. I took one day at a time and reminded myself of my goals and why I started!

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories? 
My favorite memories have to include all the fun times with my classmates. Even though the time we all spent together was usually during classes or labs, there was never a dull moment, and we all knew how to make each other laugh when we needed it most. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss? 
Don’t miss out on all OHIO Eastern has to offer and the events that go on. Take advantage of the big moments, but also the little moments like sitting in the lounge doing homework or spending time with classmates. Time definitely flies in college, so enjoy every minute of it!