ASU Commencement Spotlight: Briana Williams, Associate of Science in Nursing
Briana Williams, Associate of Science in Nursing
Future plans: Registered Nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital; Student, Albany State University, RN to BSN program
Briana Williams, a Valdosta native, will graduate on May 11 with an associate degree in nursing. Briana is passionate about spending time with family. She was also the president of the Nursing Student Organization at Albany State and was nominated for the USG Outstanding Service-Learning Project. She has organized and participated in community events such as community middle school health fairs, the Albany Pink Walk for breast cancer awareness nursing student first aid station, Operation Christmas Child, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Holiday Toy Drive, Care Packages for the Homeless and Collections for Hurricane Victims. Williams also attended the 2019 Nursing Education Conference. She also mentors other nursing students.
What motivated you to learn more about your field?
I have always had a passion and love for helping others and wanting to make a difference in or impact someone’s life. Naturally I gravitated to the nursing field, and I am exceptionally well at it! There is no other career I could see myself in or believe I would be truly happy doing.
Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because the Darton College of Health Professions has an exceptionally well reputation for their nursing program, and I felt I would gain the knowledge needed to be successful in my career.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Post-graduation, I will begin working as an RN in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and furthering my education here at Albany State University to obtain my BSN degree.
What do you love most about your chosen profession?
What I love most about nursing is that I get to be a part of making a difference in someone’s life. Working in critical care, you can watch a person transition from being very sick to being able to walk, talk and transfer to a less critical unit. Knowing that you played a part in that is an amazing feeling.
Who has made the biggest impact on you and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
Dr. Andrea Dozier has made the biggest impact on me and is a person I would consider my role model here at ASU! She has taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you have the ability to be excellent at anything! She took me under her wing and helped push me to my full potential throughout my time here at ASU.
What advice would you give to other ASU students?
Follow your dreams and don’t ever stop chasing them! Life comes with many obstacles and road blocks, but when you find something you love and are passionate about, put forth every effort and the hard work to get it! It will pay off.
What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
Albany State is not just a college but a family! The professors are mentors and are like parents away from home. Your classmates and fellow students are like siblings. We look out for one another and uplift one another. This campus is full of spirit, pride and excellence.