Student

Brooke Minium

Nursing

Her journey to nursing began nearly 10 years ago. It started with a degree in exercise science, transformed into a career in surgical technology, and evolved into the dream of becoming a nurse. Now on her way to earning a third degree from Penn College, Brooke stands by the value of hands-on education and the unmatched attention that comes from learning in smaller class sizes.

TAKING THE LEAD

Q&A with Brooke

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PENN COLLEGE?

I originally went to Penn College for the exercise science program that they had at the time. The location was also ideal for me. I am originally from Lancaster, PA. So, it was far enough from home, but close enough that I could go back on the weekends.

After I graduated from the exercise science program in 2015, I spent some time working in a hospital. I wanted to be more involved. So, I went back to Penn College, this time for surgical technology. I loved it and graduated from that in 2018. During my time working the operating room, I realized that I wanted to do more. So, I worked really hard and began the nursing program at Penn College in 2021.

I am currently working as a surgical technologist while going to nursing school.

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO PIVOT FROM SURG TECH TO NURSING?

The idea of nursing was always in the back of my mind, but the catalyst that made me pivot was how much I love working in emergencies and how much I love working in situations that involve trauma.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT NURSING?

The thing that excites me most about nursing is the fact that there are so many options in the field. And I am also excited about working in emergency medicine.

IF A FRIEND WAS CONSIDERING PENN COLLEGE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

I would tell them to go. It is a smaller school. So, if they need any extra attention or help with a subject, the teachers and staff are always around to help. There are lots of resources that the college has for all students. The Tutoring Center is great, and all the tutors are very knowledgeable and eager to help. Also, most of the professors are currently working in the field that they teach. So, not only are the students getting a smaller classroom experience, but they are also getting instruction from the most up-to-date professors.

DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW COLLEGE WAS THE PATH FOR YOU?

Both of my parents grew up in the Amish community and left in their thirties. Even though I did not grow up Amish, there was a little bit of a stigma about going to college. However, my parents were excited about me going to college. My mom even decided to go back to college in her fifties after she got her GED in her forties. My extended family is large. A lot of them have gone to college and also majored in healthcare.