Our Honors College Student of the Month for October 2017 is none other than Senior Nursing student Alexandra “Lexi” D’Orazio. Perhaps chief among Lexi’s many achievements at Rutgers is the paid Nurse Extern position she completed at Thomas Jefferson this past summer. Read below to find out more about her varied accomplishments and the advice she leaves behind for her fellow students.
HC: If you could go back in time to offer advice to yourself as a high school senior, what would you tell her?
AD: I would definitely tell myself to relax. It’s not about not making mistakes, it’s about learning from the mistakes you make.
HC: How has getting involved on campus shaped your undergraduate experience?
AD: Getting involved on campus is undoubtedly the most important thing I’ve done to shape myself as an undergraduate student. Through my work with Greek Life on campus (I am President of Sigma Delta Tau and VP of Recruitment for Order of Omega Greek Honors Society) I have learned public speaking skills and the responsibilities that come with management positions. Being involved on campus has taught me how to extend myself and achieve things that I did not think were possible, and it is something that I am very grateful to Rutgers-Camden for. I even feel that being involved on campus has given my resume a competitive edge, as I have gained invaluable experience that is going to help me for the rest of my life, professionally and personally.
HC: What has been the most memorable moment of your RUC experience?
AD: The most memorable moment of my RUC Experience is undoubtedly having the amazing opportunity to study abroad, which was something I didn’t think was possible for a nurse major. This past summer, through the Nursing College, I was able to explore London, England and Budapest, Hungary with Dr. Renee Cantwell and 7 other students. It truly was two weeks of amazing learning opportunities and experiences and I would recommend the experience to anyone looking to learn more about healthcare across Europe.
HC: What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given, and what advice do you have for other students?
AD:The most valuable piece of advice I have been given was from my father, and it was to never be afraid to “branch out.” This is the same advice I would give to other students. College is an important time for us to not only learn within our majors, but also learn more about the individuals we are becoming. Whether it’s taking an outside-the-box elective or attending a club informational even though you don’t know anyone there, I have learned the most about myself when I step outside my comfort zone. If you find yourself waking up and going to class and coming right home, it might be time to shake things up and try something new!
HC: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
AD: I’ve gone to Disney World every year for the past five years because I am a giant six-year-old.
HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AD: In ten years, I see myself finishing my Doctorate of Nursing Practice program and being a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. I hope to ultimately work in a gynecological clinic helping women with a variety of health concerns at all stages of life from puberty to menopause. I would like to have the opportunity to help nursing students find their passion in Maternity/ Women’s Health by being a clinical instructor or an educator. Mostly, in that time, I hope to have finally seen Hamilton on Broadway and to own a Yellow Labrador named Luna.