With dual success in academics and athletics, Amanda outlines her gameplan for more victories.
Aspirations for Nursing
Amanda entered the Mount to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in fall of 2024, with intentions to pursue a career as a hospital nurse to potentially work in an emergency department. She ultimately settled on nursing because she wanted to help people and make a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, she wants to work in a fast-paced environment where she’s constantly moving and improving. Amanda feels that the professors at the Mount have been a great source of support for her during her time in the Mount’s BSN program.
“The professors are dedicated to working with each student and are more than willing to help you succeed,” she says. The professors at the Mount have created a welcoming atmosphere for Amanda that encourages her to push herself To New Heights, and because of it, she has not only seen great success in her classes, she has felt inspired to become heavily involved in the Mount Community.
As a Peer Mentor, Amanda helps freshmen transition into their first year of college and find any support they may need. In addition to this role, Amanda is also a Campus Ambassador, where she gives tours of the Mount to prospective students. On top of that, she’s a member of the Student Nurse Association, where she interacts with peers in nursing and learns more about the field of nursing outside of the classroom. Finally, she runs as a distance runner for the Mount’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, where she breaks records.
Trackademic Weapon
From the very beginning, Amanda has been an important asset to her teams at the Mount. She frequently places well in her races, running impressive times during the 5K and 6K in Cross Country, and multiple distance events during Track & Field.
Having recently concluded her second Cross Country season, some of her favorite memories from the two sports include breaking the Mount’s all-time University record in the women’s 5K and indoor mile, and being on the record-breaking women’s Distance Medley Relay team. That is three of the Mount’s distance running records that she holds—as a sophomore, not even having run her second season of Track & Field with the Mount yet.
“Last year, I struggled with injury on and off throughout the whole year,” Amanda reflects. “So it is exciting to see a season where I am constantly improving and starting to have some fun with running.” Amanda is thankful for the Mount’s distance coaches, Coach Matt Van Doren and Coach Justin Bland, for enabling her to accomplish such feats.
“The coaches have been fantastic in working with each individual runner to perform their best, and building the team so we can be competitive in our conference,” she expresses in gratitude. Amanda also feels fortunate for the team she has had at the Mount, as she has created fun memories from long runs, bus rides and bonding with her teammates. “I could have not asked for a better team and coaches to walk into,” she declares.
Amanda hopes to continue her athletic career with the University, building a competitive team roster in both Cross Country and Track & Field by consistently improving and being the best teammate she can be. She hopes to continue her athletic career beyond college with the running skills she develops at the Mount as well; her ultimate goal is to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon.
“It’s a great feeling to achieve success in cross country and track,” Amanda says. “It makes all the hard work and dedication I and my team put in every day truly worthwhile.”
Reaching New Heights: A Student-Athlete’s Advice
Starting her college journey, Amanda has found that the Mount’s Community—the students, faculty and staff alike, have been a particularly valuable asset. “The classmates and teammates at the Mount are wonderful,” Amanda expresses. “The small campus and classes foster a close-knit community where you can get to know everyone on a deeper level.” It’s in this community where Amanda continues to grow academically, athletically and personally; it’s the community in which she chases two passions: Nursing and running, into her future.
During challenging times, Amanda’s biggest motivator is to remember why she started and what her end goal is. “My advice to MSJ students embarking on their college journey is to take the victories, no matter how big or how little, and don’t let the challenges get in the way,” Amanda asserts. “Not everything is going to be easy, and that is okay. Just remember why you started.”
Want to Learn More About Nursing at the Mount?
The Mount’s Department of Nursing combines the liberal arts and sciences with the knowledge and skills required for a practice of patient-centered nursing that respects the individual dignity of all patients. Click here to learn more about nursing at the Mount!
Interested in Learning More About Athletics at the Mount?
The Mount has become a regional powerhouse of athletics, creating outstanding athletes with a culture of care and belonging that emphasizes the unique strengths of each athlete to take them to new heights. If you’d like to learn more about athletics at the Mount, click here!