The power of community as an anchor—and a guiding force

For Alicia Lee, a first-year nursing student at Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, community has quickly become both an anchor and a guiding force, shaping how she learns, leads and finds her place nearly 2,500 miles from home.

Coming from California’s Bay Area, Lee’s transition to Case Western Reserve brought colder weather and a faster academic pace, but also new opportunities to find connection. 

“It’s been really good,” Lee says of her first semester. “I feel like I definitely found a balance between school and making friends and making time to still do the things that I like to do.” 

That balance—between challenge and support—has helped her thrive in a program she intentionally chose for its rigor. Academically, nursing has pushed her in ways she has welcomed. And personally, it has put her on the path to fulfill a professional purpose she feels passionately about: providing care that is rooted in relationships, empathy and trust.

Learning through experience

Lee’s passion for nursing began in high school when her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and later required full-time care. Lee witnessed firsthand the impact nurses had on her family during an incredibly difficult time. Watching nurses provide compassionate care—and helping with caregiving herself—left a lasting impact. 

“Seeing the nurses take care of my grandma was really touching,” she says. “I felt so inspired by the kind of care they gave her, and I realized that’s what I want to do for other people and their families.” 

This experience has shaped how Lee approaches her education and her future in healthcare. This semester, she was particularly drawn to the collaborative, hands-on nature of her coursework. Her favorite part has been clinicals, where learning moves outside of the classroom and becomes personal.

“I really like hands-on learning,” she explains. “Getting to work with patients and actually practice what we’ve been learning, everything just clicks.” 

Finding connection in community

Beyond the classroom, Lee has found another deep sense of belonging as a member of Case Western Reserve’s dance team. After years of competitive dance in high school, she wanted to continue dancing in college without the same level of intensity. The team, which practices several times a week and performs at CWRU sporting events, offered the perfect blend of commitment and camaraderie. 

“The girls are so nice, and we already have such a strong community,” Lee says. “It gives me a break from school and a space where I can just enjoy being with people.”

As she looks to her next semester and beyond, Lee remains excited about new clinical experiences, deeper involvement on campus and continuing to grow her support network. Her passion for connection and service has also inspired her to rush a sorority in the spring, allowing her to foster new relationships with an emphasis on philanthropy and giving back. 

But for Lee, this isn’t anything new. Community isn’t just something she’s found at Case Western Reserve: it’s something she’s building every day. And she’s learning that success—in nursing, leadership and life—is built not alone, but together. This is reflected in the simple but heartfelt advice she’d give to other students: find your people. 

“The transition to college can be hard, especially if you’re far from home,” she says. “But as long as you find a good group of friends that can act as your support system and your family, you’ll be okay.”