Travis Nightingale

Steinbach, Manitoba
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?

My major of nursing seemed like a bit of a no-brainer. I always loved biology and I loved cleaning wounds that I had as a kid. I enjoyed putting new bandaids on and that kind of stuff, so in high school I picked nursing without really knowing if that's what I wanted to do. When I got accepted I just went with it and haven't regretted it since. I choose Windsor because of their pedigree in track and field.

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

Fresh out of high school you don't really have exceptions for university unless you've been to campus or have a brother or sister who goes to university. I think in high school they just tell you it's one big party 24/7 but it's really not like that. The culture of university students love to party yes but the majority know how to focus when the time comes. I did expect to get experience and be prepared for my career when I first got here and now looking at the last weeks on the calendar I know I'm ready to be a professional.

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?

The most important thing I learned about university is time management and self-control. I was involved in varsity athletics all five of my years here and I would come home tired and hungry every day. I quickly learned (after a few close calls in my classes) how to stay on top of school work while dedicating a lot of time to athletics. I've learned a lot about the community studying nursing here. I've become more tolerant, I listen more, I'm just more aware that there are bigger issues out there than the ones I'm dealing with. I had a client in the hospital one day in the ICU that was very ill, the next week a man almost ran me over in the grocery store, completely pre-occupied in himself. I recognized the man as my patient’s husband who'd just flown half way around the world to be with her. It taught me that everyone has a story.

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

The most memorable part of my University of Windsor experience was my time spent on the University of Windsor track and field team. The hours in on the track doing work outs I never thought I'd survive, and countless reps in the weight room, late nights in hotels, my training partners, my roommates, tough losses, good celebrations and two national championships. I was so proud to wear my varsity jacket. It's something I'll never forget.

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

Windsoris so diverse, so addicting, and so underestimated. You can see all around you have fast the school is growing. Changes are being made. I'm glad to be a part of it all. 100,000 graduates and growing exponentially. Educations aren't getting any less valuable, there's a boom happening and we're in the middle of it.

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

I have had two professors who have completely shaped my career. Prof. Dayus and Dr. Crawley of the faculty of nursing both uniquely and individually took my under their wing and shaped me to the nurse, professional, and student that I am today. I owe my future career to both of those amazing professors who took the time to care. I can't thank them enough.

What are your plans following graduation?

After graduation, it's time for some real world money! I'll write my licensing exam and go wherever the jobs take me.