Craig Folcik

UConn School of Nursing, Class of 2011

I am a sophomore enrolled in the UConn School of Nursing. native and lifelong resident of Southington, CT, I evaluated the many career choices during high school, and eventually settled upon nursing when I was a junior. I made the choice when a family member of mine was hospitalized with a severe injury.  My family lived in his company, and with all the nurses who cared for him.  With their constant supervision, care, and hearts, they became family and heroes.  After those painful few weeks, I decided to follow in their footsteps.  Before high school, I volunteered in an Alzheimer’s Resource Center in Southington.  I provided entertainment and fun activities for the residents and became very close to the people there.  After just a short while, I realized how eager these people were to enjoy company and to share a smile.  Even though I was quite young and had no medical experience, I began to understand vulnerable and helpless people, their needs, and their desire to give happiness.  That experience, combined with working in a nursing home for the past two years, has given me a yearning to help the needy.  I am uncertain about which branch of nursing I will pursue, but am sure my immediate goal is to achieve my bachelor’s degree. Then, I hope to attend graduate school.

UST is one of the most honorable and respectable organizations I have ever been a part of.  The organization spreads wellness, health and education among the urban underserved residents of Connecticut. That is an amazing triumph.  I wanted to join this program for its honor and accomplishments, and for the joy of sharing health to those underserved.  I feel that the greatest accomplishment of health care students and providers is to serve those most vulnerable.  I believe my desire and yearning for helping those people in need are very strong and will guide me to be a great UST member.