Kelly Muskopf, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

• Program: ABS Nursing
• Hometown: Buffalo, NY
• Favorite Self-Care Activity: Going to the driving range with my golf clubs
• Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts, English, University at Buffalo; Master of Science, Secondary Education, Canisius College

From the moment I was young, I always desired to enter into a helping profession. I knew that it was my life’s purpose to serve others. Over a decade ago, I intended to go to nursing school. Unfortunately, other life events got in the way of finishing my degree. Fast forward to today and my heart longed to be a nurse more than ever before.

There were some defining moments in my life that motivated my decision to become a nurse. Although I knew this would be a significant challenge as a widowed mother of three, I was so inspired by the nurses who helped me over the years, I knew I had to answer my calling and go back to school. When my late husband passed away suddenly four years ago and when I had emergency surgery shortly before his passing, the nursing staff who took care of me during these difficult times was so gentle and kind, they ultimately inspired my decision to finally go back and become a nurse. I felt such a deep desire to help others the way they had helped me. I was treated with such compassion and respect that I knew that I needed to pay it forward and care for others in return. The empathy the nurses showed me touched my heart so profoundly at a time I needed it most. Their kindness will forever remain embedded as some of my most cherished memories.  

I selected UB to complete my nursing degree primarily because of how well-respected UB’s nursing program is. I knew that I would be properly trained and prepared by the professors and staff to become a confident, professional nurse.

Moreover, I went to UB for my undergraduate degree and for all the required prerequisite nursing courses. I found that not only was I well-prepared academically, but I also had a very positive experience studying there. Although UB is a large school, I found that it becomes very intimate once you get involved in your major.  

The area(s) of nursing I am most interested in are: labor and delivery, neonatal or pediatrics. As a mother myself for the past decade, I feel a natural inclination to help other new mothers. For me, pregnancy and delivery did not come easy and I depended on my nurses frequently. I know how important it is to have knowledgeable nurses who can provide quality care and compassion. Therefore, as a result of these personal experiences I feel equipped to give help and support to others.

Moreover, having three children of my own, I would also be interested in a position in pediatrics. Through my daily responsibility to my own kids, I feel that I possess a great deal of knowledge and know-how with caring for small children. Currently, as a NYS certified teacher, I have worked with children in the past and very much enjoyed it. With my degree in education, I am also interested in nursing education and hope to teach as an adjunct professor at a community college in nursing part time.

• Magna cum laude (undergraduate)
• Summa cum laude (graduate)
• Pi Eta Sigma National Honor Society
• Master of Science in Education (secondary level)
• Mother of 3
• Prior experience as a General Manager for three anytime fitness health clubs
• Prior experience as a middle and high school English teacher
• PTO volunteer
  
• Psychology TA

Some of my hobbies include cooking and baking, gardening, golfing, swimming, throwing parties, doing creative design projects, reading my Bible, and spending time with friends and family.

Post-graduation I hope to apply for my first nursing job. I hope to also continue with my education as I would ultimately like to become a nurse practitioner and teach nursing courses in a college setting. 

Financially, as a single parent, it is difficult to afford much beyond caring for my three small children. My kids and I currently live with my parents as we are not able to afford a home of our own. The biggest stress for me with being able to return to school was how financially straining it would be on my family. I desired to return and finish my nursing degree immensely, but I was not sure I would ever be able to afford it. Therefore, being awarded this scholarship has alleviated some of the financial concern for me and my family and I am sincerely grateful for it.