Heather Daichendt

Windsor, Ontario
Graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

Coming out of high school, I was interested in entering some kind of health care-related field. I had very little idea of what nurses did, to be honest, but I was very excited at the prospect of being able to take care of people. I chose the University of Windsor because it was close to home, had a strong nursing program, offered many scholarships, and because I had been recruited to play for the women’s varsity soccer team.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

I expected that university would be a fun challenge: ‘challenge’ because I thought that the courses and exams would be incredibly hard but ‘fun’ because I’d be meeting new people, learning interesting things, and experiencing a new setting. Studying at the University of Windsor these past four years has definitely been fun: I’ve made many great friends, enjoyed experiencing campus culture (e.g. participating in student groups, studying at coffee shops, searching out the most comfortable study spots, etc.), and have loved being part of the Lancer athletic community as both an athlete and a fan. The nursing program has definitely challenged me, however I’ve truly enjoyed the learning journey.

Interesting side note: In relation to meeting new people, I happened to meet a very nice Human Kinetics student in my first semester physiology class who was also a Lancer athlete. We started walking to practices together and sitting together in class, and he eventually asked me out in second semester. We’re both graduating this spring (him on June 16, me on June 17) and will be getting married on June 18!

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

Life is worth living. People are worth loving. God is worth trusting.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

The most memorable part of my UWindsor experience is playing soccer for the Lancer women’s soccer team. The relationships with my teammates and coaches, the challenge of playing at a varsity level, and just being able to represent the university by putting on the Blue & Gold – these are things I will never forget. Our first-round play-off game against Brock this 2010/11 season which we won in the last seconds of overtime was probably the most electrifying sports experience I’ve ever had.

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

I am proud to be a part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011 because it means that I’ve successfully made it through the nursing program. A large number of my family members – mom, dad, sister, future in-laws, uncles, etc. – graduated from various programs at Windsor, and so I feel privileged to be a part of that same tradition. I have come to see the quality of the education that I received here at Windsor, and therefore I am honoured to be recognized as a Windsor graduate.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

Professor Judy Bornais of the Faculty of Nursing has been an inspiration to me. I first met her when I took Health Assessment in second semester of first year. Our class had over 150 students, however she amazed me by learning our names and knowing how each of us was doing in her class. It changed how I perceived university professors: I had not expected them to be so involved or approachable. I started working for her in the Nursing Simulation Lab in third year, and her mentorship, knowledge, and kindness have been invaluable to my development as a nursing student. I am inspired by what she has done in her career – as a nurse, nurse educator, nurse researcher, and more – and I hope to contribute to the profession as she has.

What are your plans following graduation?

The day after I graduate, I am marrying Phil Robson (another University of Windsor graduate; see note above). After enjoying a honeymoon in Hawaii, Phil and I will be moving to Kingston, where he will be entering the special Outdoor & Experiential Education program at Queen’s teacher’s college. I will be seeking a registered nursing position there to start off my professional career.