Mount Saint Mary College nursing senior Kate Egan of Levittown, N.Y. says the “Mount Spark” wasn’t just a feeling she had during her first campus tour – it became the fuel for a four-year journey defined by leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
“Being the SNA President is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done,” Egan said. “I started as the freshman class representative, a little bit nervous and shy, but with the support of upperclassmen, I’ve moved my way up.”
In addition to her leadership within the School of Nursing, Egan is a familiar face to prospective students as an Admissions Ambassador. Since September of her freshman year, she has shared her passion for the Mount by leading campus tours, a role she knew she wanted from the moment she received her own tour as a high school senior.
Egan was a member of the Dean Search Committee and the Recruitment, Admissions, and Retention (RAR) committee. She also served as a peer mentor and a peer tutor, helping underclassmen navigate the same challenging courses she once mastered.
Egan’s résumé is as impressive as it is service-oriented. A consistent fixture on the Dean’s List every semester, she was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing in April.
She credits the college’s Center for Academic and Career Services (CACS) for helping her translate this vast array of experience into a professional format. Working closely with CACS staff like Amanda Schmidt, Academic and Career Counselor, Egan has visited the office frequently for help with her interview skills and more.
“They were really helpful and really encouraging,” Egan recalled. “I’ve gone to [Schmidt] five times this semester for cover letter help and really just helping my résumé for my nursing jobs.”
Egan’s Mount experience even took her across the Atlantic. Last summer, she studied abroad in Spain for an English course led by Marie-Therese Sulit, professor of English.
“Things I didn’t think I’d be able to do on campus, I’ve been supported to do,” she said. “Studying abroad is a great example of that.”
As she looks toward her upcoming Commencement, Egan’s advice to incoming nursing students is simple: “Always remember why you wanted to go into nursing when times are stressful or you’re feeling overwhelmed,” she advised. “It’s a challenging program, but there is so much support if you use it.”