Kerry Noelle Gorman
Major: BS, Nursing
Hometown: Malden, MA
"Students have to remember how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to attend college . . . and they need to take full advantage of everything offered here."
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work as an Intensive Care Unit registered nurse in Boston for several years. I wish to gain critical care experience in order to attend a Nurse Anesthetist program in the future and work as a registered Nurse Anesthetist in Boston as well. Down the road, I would like to become a nursing professor and dedicate my time and knowledge to educate the future nurses of America. My nursing major fits into my life's plan in that I wish to serve others that are in need of compassion, care, and support through their most vulnerable times and illness.
What organizations have you belonged to at UMass Dartmouth?
I have been involved with many organizations and leadership positions these past four years. I was president of the nursing class in 2005, a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau, Greek coordinator of the Greek community, a member of NSNA (National Student Nurses Association), a nursing tutor and mentor, and an orientation leader.
I would have to say that being involved with the orientation program as an orientation leader changed my life the most for the best. This program and the training opened my eyes to important global issues, helped me gain confidence in myself to become a great leader, and allowed me to become a positive role model for the incoming students. I also was honored to work with the most amazing, stand-out student leaders on campus (the other orientation leaders), who became like family to me.
I would have to say that being involved with the orientation program as an orientation leader changed my life the most for the best. This program and the training opened my eyes to important global issues, helped me gain confidence in myself to become a great leader, and allowed me to become a positive role model for the incoming students. I also was honored to work with the most amazing, stand-out student leaders on campus (the other orientation leaders), who became like family to me.
What have you learned that has made a difference to you?
I've learned that there are so many students here that jump through hoops each day just to make it through the day. I have met so many amazing students here that work over forty hours per week and still manage to do great in school, or students who have lost parents or friends and still manage to pull through each day and shine as a student. I consider myself a lucky woman, and I have learned that there are many individuals that may not have been so lucky and have dealt with many hardships. These students have taught me strength and patience: both valuable virtues necessary in life. I admire them and thank them for this.
What advice do you have for future students?
The best advice I can give is to do your best, work to your fullest potential, believe in yourself, and enjoy life. Students have to remember how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to attend college (unlike so many who are less fortunate) and because they have this opportunity they need to take full advantage of everything offered here.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents, my boyfriend Francesco and my best friend Nicole. Without the hard work of my parents each day to put me through school, I never would have had the world at my fingertips. They have supported me in all my endeavors and remind me of how proud they are each day. I hope they know how proud I am of them as parents. My boyfriend Francesco is an engineering major here who has supported me throughout the nursing program. He has dealt with my daily stress and has helped me to study for each of my classes. My best friend Nicole graduated from the nursing program here last year. She is truly an amazing young woman, and she has been my mentor in nursing and in life. She has always guided me in the right direction and has given me the best advice I could ask for. Without these four amazing people, I would never be the person I am today.
