Tenzin Sherab, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, CCRN, Anna and VJ Philipose Nursing Scholar

• Hometown: Astoria, NY; Dhingri, Tibet
• Favorite Self-Care Activities: Journaling
• Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science, Nursing, SUNY Dehli; Associate in Applied Science, Nursing, Long Island College Hospital
• Current Program: DNP, Nurse Anesthetist Program

When I was researching programs to apply to, the nurse anesthesia program at UB appealed to me for its well-established DNP program, low attrition rate and New York location. Additionally, I also remember UB hosting His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama back in 2006. As a noble peace laureate of Tibetan origin, he is a global figure I have grown up revering and it spoke volumes to me about the university’s regard for promoting religious harmony and universal responsibility -- values I equally care about. This in addition to the strong sense of belonging I felt interacting with the program faculty during my interview made UB my top choice. 

I am currently pursuing my DNP degree in nurse anesthesia. The hands-on aspect of the profession, greater professional autonomy, 1:1 care of the highest caliber with unique skill set and critical thinking required were all aspects of the profession that drew my interest. 

The various courses I have taken as a graduate level student here have allowed me to consider different research ideas through which I can possibly create a positive change in my future practice. I definitely look forward to extending my service with mission work in the future as well. 

In the short term, my goal is to successfully complete the program, get certified, and enter the CRNA workforce. In the long term, I am committed to advancing my role as a CRNA beyond the traditional OR setting in areas of advocacy, education and mission work. 

Part of my long-term goal as a future CRNA is to utilize the knowledge and training I will gain here at UB to empower others. It could be through disseminating research, professional advocacy or actual practice in underserved areas.

The scholarship immensely helps undo some of the financial burden associated with higher education as a full-time graduate student. It also fuels me to work harder towards my professional goals. There is this additional sense of motivation and responsibility I take on.