The summer before the final year of my undergraduate education, I began searching for a graduate school. To pursue my dream job, I need a master’s degree, so heading straight into graduate school seemed the most logical choice. I had two specific criteria for the program I sought.
First, a program that could transition me from my non-nursing bachelor’s degree to a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MN). Second, I wanted a program that would eventually allow me to specialize in becoming a nurse midwife. Each of these criteria is difficult to find on its own, so finding both together was immensely challenging.
After extensive research, I identified only five universities within twelve hours of my hometown in southeast Tennessee that met my needs. I applied to all five programs, hoping for the best but feeling nervous. Although I believed I had what it takes to succeed in a master’s in nursing program, I worried that some setbacks during the first year of my undergraduate education might prevent graduate schools from giving me a chance.
I submitted my application to Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in early December. A few days later, I received an email from Dr. Nathanial Schreiner asking to set up an interview. An interview with the program director—how nerve-wracking! I did my research, calmed my nerves, and decided that all I could do was present the best, most authentic version of myself.
The interview began with a typical question-and-answer format but quickly evolved into more of a conversation. I shared my passion for nursing and my commitment to helping others, and Dr. Schreiner not only understood but also believed in this passion. After a 90-minute Zoom interview, I felt completely seen and supported by a program director who had been a stranger just hours earlier. I left the interview immensely confident that the MN program at CWRU was special and something I wanted to be part of. My confidence was validated a couple of weeks later when I received an acceptance letter.
During my spring break in March, I toured the Health Education Campus and was left in awe. Now, I’m thrilled to begin the program this August, knowing that I’ve been supported and believed in even before the first day of classes.
-Anna Lloyd, (MN ‘26)