Dominic CO '29 WP University

1.             What first sparked your interest in your major? Was there a specific moment, class, or person that inspired you?

What first sparked my interest in nursing was my family. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a strong desire to help others and always knew I wanted to be part of the healthcare field. Seeing how much of a difference compassion and care can make pushed me toward nursing, and I ultimately decided to pursue it so I could contribute to the small but growing group of Black male nurses who are making an impact.

2.             Why did you specifically choose your college to study this major?

I chose William Paterson because I wasn’t yet ready to travel far from home. Staying close to my support system was important to me during this next chapter of my life. On top of that, William Paterson being a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) means I get to learn and grow in a diverse environment where other minority students like myself are also represented.

3.            What do you hope to do with your degree in the future? What kind of impact do you want to make?

With my degree, I plan to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I’ve always had a passion for working with children, and I want to be someone they can trust and feel safe around during difficult times. I also hope to use my journey to inspire others—especially students of color—to explore all their options and believe that their dreams are valid and achievable.

4.             What advice would you give to someone just starting their college application?

Ask for help!!! The college process is very stressful, especially for first-gen students. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or like you’re supposed to figure it all out on your own, but you don’t have to. Use every resource available to you, talk to your guidance counselor, ask questions, and most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute—planning ahead makes a huge difference.