Future Michigan Nurse Has a Heart for Community and Change

As the fall semester approaches, the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) is gearing up to welcome its new wave of #MichiganNursing students. Among these bright faces is Ana Hilda Suarez, a Detroit native with roots in the Dominican Republic. Her journey to nursing is as vibrant as her background, and her story is one of compassion, resilience and a drive to make a difference.

Inspiration and the Decision to Pursue Nursing
Growing up in the Motor City, Ana found herself constantly interacting with people from different walks of life. This interaction, further enriched by her Dominican American heritage, nurtured in her a profound love for community and connection. "Detroit is so incredibly diverse, and combined with being Dominican American, growing up here was a huge push toward nursing for me," Ana shared.

But her original love for nursing dates back to her childhood experiences with her mother's health battles. Frequent hospital visits became moments that shaped Ana, who saw firsthand the compassionate care her mother received from nurses.

“I would stand in the corner of the room and watched how they [the nurses] worked the machines,” Ana recalled. “I vividly remember every night that they cared for and even cried with my mom. These moments are forever carved into my heart and are the reason I chose nursing,” she added.

 "My mom calls her nurses her angels… and with time, I grew to know that is who I wanted to be."

Choosing UMSN and Embracing the Wolverine Spirit
The choice to attend UMSN was clear for Ana, who was drawn by the program's reputation for immersive, comprehensive education. "UMSN was my absolute top choice.”

“What stood out to me most was that they make the most out of your time," she explained, adding that the direct-admit path and early hands-on experiences were pivotal in her decision, which will provide her with over 1,000 hours of clinical practice. Ana is also excited about the opportunity to engage in research alongside Ph.D. professors, a unique feature that sets UMSN apart from other programs she considered.

Moreover, Ana found herself attracted to UMSN’s active involvement in community service and disaster response. The strength and unity of the UMSN community are aspects she is eager to be a part of, as demonstrated by her enthusiasm when browsing social media.  

“I always saw them on the news if some accident or disaster happened; UMSN was always sending out people to help… it’s a program that is actually going into these communities and making a difference; this is the type of environment I want to grow as a nurse in.”

“This is also cliche, but I saw UMSN’s Instagram, and it only helped me love it more. There always seemed to be a new, innovative learning activity. Jack and Carl from the Clinical Learning Center (CLC) really stole the show!”

Experiencing UMSN Firsthand
Ana's excitement for her new academic journey culminated on March 28, when she attended one of UMSN's various Campus Days. Ana toured the entire University of Michigan campus and saw UMSN firsthand, met fellow students and faculty, and captured memories of the beginning of her #MichiganNursing journey.

Ana looks forward to the challenges and the growth that awaits her. She is particularly excited about the CLC, where she anticipates practicing and refining her nursing skills and gaining confidence in patient care. The sense of camaraderie among her cohort and the support from faculty further fuels her enthusiasm.

“I know at UMSN, I’ll be getting top-notch academics and hands-on learning, and also immersing myself in a great community.”

With plans to explore opportunities beyond traditional nursing, such as pursuing a global health minor, Ana envisions a nursing career that will amplify her voice while bridging culture and enhancing patient care through understanding and collaboration. "I believe advocating for immersion in each other’s culture will lead to more tight-knit bonding.”

As she prepares to immerse herself in the maize and blue culture, her message to future classmates is both encouraging and inviting. "There is something special about being a Wolverine nurse," she said, urging others who share her dream to pursue it with passion and determination.

“If you’re reading this and thinking of it, go for it. I hope to see you around. Go Blue!”