Hannah Bogart, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

• Program: ABS Nursing
• Hometown: Lima, NY
• Favorite Self-Care Activity: Bachelor of Science, Pharmacology and Toxicology, SUNY University at Buffalo

Although I believe nursing was always in my heart, the idea of becoming a nurse only recently came to my mind. I began college as a biochemistry major, amazed by the beauty of life’s minute details. I had interests in both research and medicine. These interests led me to become an EMT, volunteer in hospitals, complete research, and work as a pharmacy technician and medical assistant. The best part of all these experiences was the patient interaction. I loved listening to my patients and their families, and I wanted to find a career where I could spend time with them and educate them about their health. I then changed my major to Pharmacology and Toxicology, thinking that pharmacy school might be the path for me. After graduation, I realized that my passion was not only pharmacy and drug development. I desired a career with a more holistic view of health, medicine and patient interaction. Nursing fulfills all these desires. 

The University at Buffalo is my alma mater, and I have always been aware of the quality education at UB. The UB ABS Nursing Program was always at the top of my list!

I love the geriatric population and I have an interest in critical care. I am fascinated by the many unique challenges that come with aging. This population requires meticulous care, diligence and patience from nurses. As the mind and body age, the soul does too. These souls have amazing stories to tell and have lived incredible lives. This population deserves the best care, and I want to be a part of providing that for them, especially in their most vulnerable states. I currently work in primary care medicine and serve many people of the older population. I have volunteered at many hospitals, rehab units and nursing homes in the past. I have enjoyed my time with the geriatric patients at these facilities immensely. I have also experienced high-intensity medicine in both emergency departments and while being an EMT. I have seen many patients with very critical needs and I find myself thriving on the adrenaline rush of stressful situations. Being there for patients and their families during stressful times is hard, but so rewarding and I would consider it an honor to work in any type of critical care setting.

During my first undergraduate degree, I was a resident advisor and I received the student advocate award from Campus Living. I also participated in the student ambassador program at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and Buffalo General Hospital. Over the past few years, I have gained experience as an EMT, pharmacy technician, medical assistant and research associate. I completed research at both Buffalo General’s emergency department and the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s research department. I also had the opportunity to visit Brazil and participate in Project Amazon’s medical missions team as a health clinic volunteer. I currently work as a medical assistant and am eagerly looking forward to becoming a registered nurse. 

I love to be outside. In the summer, you can find me kayaking, hiking, swimming, camping, walking, rollerblading or gardening. I am always on my feet! I also enjoy cooking and spending time with friends. I am a plant lover and enjoy tending to my many house and outdoor plants as well.

My plans directly after nursing school are to stay in Buffalo and gain some initial nursing experience, hopefully in critical care. I hope to one day become a nurse practitioner, possibly an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP). I do still have a love for pharmacology, and because of this, I have also entertained the thought of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) as well. 

Receiving this scholarship for the ABS nursing program is a tremendous blessing. I worked very hard to lessen the number of loans I had to take out for my first undergraduate degree. I worked as a resident assistant to have my room and board paid for, held part-time jobs, and completed my science degree in only three years. All of this saved me money, but I was exhausted those three years, and I still had to take out multiple student loans. This scholarship will give me the financial freedom to lessen the number of loans I will need to take out for my nursing degree, decreasing financial and overall stress. Most importantly, it will allow me to focus on my current education without the struggle of balancing a full course load and working part-time as I did before. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I am honored to have this financial support on my journey of becoming the best nurse I can be.