Meet Anne Huston, a nursing major and recent graduate from Gobles, Mich. Anne also completed the Superior Edge. We asked her a few questions about her NMU experience so far:
Why did you decide to come to NMU?
Anne: I’ve always loved the UP, and when I visited campus for the first time, I felt like the community was very involved with and supportive of the university. Marquette felt like a place where I could grow into myself.
What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?
Anne: Nursing is obviously a pretty hands-on major in terms of learning, and our program has plenty of unique ways to get that experience. We have pretty awesome simulation technology and really talented people that make those sims possible. The department also has relationships with the local hospital, UPHS, and a ton of different community agencies that offer one-of-a-kind opportunities for students. I was able to work with a specialty genetics team from the University of Michigan during my pediatrics clinic, and that experience has influenced my future plans pretty considerably.
What are you involved with on campus?
Anne: During my time at NMU, I got involved with Superior Edge, the Student Leader Fellowship Program, the Student Nurses Association, and the Health Promotion Society.
Outside of school, what do you enjoy?
Anne: I went from really not being outdoorsy to being a fairly stereotypical Yooper over the three years I’ve been here. I love hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, swimming, you name it. I also like reading, and like any other college student, I would be lost without a Netflix subscription. Since quarantine, I’ve also been baking… a lot.
Of your activities on- or off-campus (residence life, student orgs, internships, etc.), what has been the most rewarding and why?
Anne: Through the Student Leader Fellowship Program, I had the chance to complete a community service internship with a local nonprofit, Trace Holistic. The organization has created opportunities for registered nurses in the UP to undergo special training to be certified to work with survivors of sexual assault. I’ve been involved with sexual assault advocacy for the past few years, and a lot of the work of it is played out socio-politically, through conversations and education. Our ability to create changes in our local community on top of that education by partnering with other local agencies, creating a physical location to treat survivors, and hiring nurses made it feel even more significant and special.
What does “be Northern” mean to you?
Anne: To “be Northern” is to be adventurous. Explore the outdoors! Explore your interests! Explore your identity! The culture here pushes that curiosity and is supportive of wherever it takes you.
What are your hopes or plans after graduation?
Anne: I’ll be working as a cardiac RN here at UPHS-Marquette and studying for my boards. Grad school is somewhere on the horizon, but I’m trying not to think about that right now!
Why do you wear a mask?
Anne: I wear a mask to protect myself, my loved ones, and my community, and out of respect for the sacrifices, front-line workers have been making through the course of this pandemic.
How have you been practicing social distancing?
Anne: I have a pretty tight quarantine bubble. While it’s certainly no replacement for the real thing, I like Face Timing friends and family that I haven’t been able to see in person.
How has COVID-19 changed your perspective or your lifestyle?
Anne: Going into a new career as a nurse during a pandemic has been, uh, stressful, to put it lightly. I’ve had to really make a point to learn how to care best for my own emotional, spiritual, and mental health. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness has really helped. This time has made me extra appreciative of little things, like hugs and smiles, and of big things, like justice and community.
