Student Spotlight: Theresa G. Proudly Pursued Her DNP


Please enjoy this personal essay from Dr. Theresa Gress, RN, BSN, MSN, DNP. When Theresa was a child, she said she would “become a nurse before becoming a doctor.” Truer words have never been spoken.  Some of us have many pathways to success. Some of us do not. Regardless of the walk it takes to … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Clay W. Found Satisfaction Through Education


Please enjoy this personal essay from Clay Williams. After learning he was about to become a father, Clay worked hard to earn his degree and achieve his career goals. Clay earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and is currently earning his MBA at Aspen University.   My journey began after graduating high school, and … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Zhiying, RN to BSN, “My Life Is Renewed”


We proudly share this beyond inspiring personal essay from Zhiying Wu who completed Aspen’s RN to BSN program in April of 2020. When Zhiying’s husband sadly succumbed to illness, “Aspen remained as a Light for me. The busy assignments and projects kept me from the darkness of the grief.”…“One of my past professors, my dearest … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Peter B. “Even If It Takes 10 Years”


Please enjoy this inspiring personal essay from nurse educator Peter Brooks — who earned his Doctorate of Education from Aspen University while traveling to 20 countries on seven continents! Peter’s aunt gave him some great advice when he was just starting his higher education journey that still rings true today.    My educational journey has … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Shelby C., BSN


Please enjoy this personal essay from Shelby Custer, who is this year’s Vice President of Student Nurses of Association of Arizona. She is excited to take on this role with such an enthusiastic board. She is in her second year of serving on the SNAAz board, and is very excited to be involved again: I … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Karen G., Arizona Nurse DREAMer Battles COVID-19


Registered nurse, Karen Garcia, finds herself at the intersection of a global pandemic and a hot button U.S. political issue.  As an RN at a Central Phoenix hospital, Karen has been on the frontlines treating patients suspected of having COVID-19 in isolated holding areas. At the same time, she continues to face uncertainty concerning her … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Heather W. From “Little Nurse” to Nurse Leader


Please enjoy this inspiring essay from Heather Watts, who earned her BSN — and just recently her MSN in Forensic Nursing — from Aspen University.   Graduation…the moment we get to walk across the stage, shake hands with some of our mentors and professors, be handed our diplomas and proclaim to the world, our family … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Tammy A. Prioritizes Patient Safety and Quality Care


This past holiday season, a Nashville nurse sang bedside Christmas carols with a patient undergoing chemotherapy. Similarly, a patient in an Atlanta hospital was given a flash-mob style “Backstreet Boys” concert by a team of nurses who knew that the patient had planned to see the actual BSB, but due to her diagnosis was no … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Carol’s Second Act? RN to BSN!


Sixty-four years young, Carol G. is an energetic and self-described “chatty Cathy” who recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of earning her BSN.  It was a long time coming. Carol started her nursing career in 1976 after graduating with an ADN from Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. She fulfilled various nursing positions, including direct patient … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Nestor M.’s Oath to Help Those In Need


Roberto Clemente is a name many baseball fans recognize, but for Puerto Ricans like soon-to-be Aspen University graduate Nestor Medina, hold Roberto in reverence. As a professional baseball player, Clemente ranks among the best of all time. He was awarded 12 Gold Gloves, selected as the 1966 National League MVP and the 1971 World Series … Keep Reading