Senior Classmates Choose UConn’s Nursing Program

Lily Froggatt Bale, Jordana Paniccia and Hannah Song are all headed to the University of Connecticut to study nursing. What makes that so special is that all three are classmates at Huntington High School where they will graduate in June.

Each of the three seniors counts on their own unique experiences and motivation for wanting to study nursing and enter the highly regarded and much needed profession.

“I chose UConn because of the diverse and inclusive community that I can be a part of and contribute to,” Ms. Song said. “After visiting the beautiful campus I knew it was where I wanted to spend my next four years getting my bachelor’s degree. The selling point for me was that the nursing program was not only for third and fourth years that are doing clinicals, but also for incoming freshmen followed by a welcoming nursing community. The incoming freshmen will also be the first cohort to start our nursing simulations in a brand new state of the art facility during our junior year. Not to mention the ginormous recreation center and the massive Husky pride (school spirt) from the back-to-back national basketball championships.”

Each one of the seniors has a tender side, displaying all the caring and concern that nurses need to be successful in their field.

“I decided to be a nurse because they are essentially the caregivers at hospitals and other medical facilities,” Ms. Song said. “Being able to actively work with patients to help them get healthy or provide patients with comfort has always been a dream of mine. Due to the nursing field consisting of diverse specialty options, it allows me to discover what I want to pursue while working on the basis of my nursing career. With the highly demanding critical thinking skills and very hands on nature of the job I knew that this was the career for me.”

While the seniors have all enjoyed good experiences throughout high school, each of them is ready to move on to new challenges while always remembering their alma mater and from where they came.

“My Huntington experience has been exciting and rewarding as a student-athlete and student government official,” Ms. Song said. “The friends and enriching relationships with teachers that I have made throughout my four years has been very special and dear to me. From balancing all the Advanced Placement classes, sports, societies, clubs, work and free time with friends and family, I feel that it’s taught me a lot about balance and definitely time management skills.”

UConn and its nursing program check off many boxes for Ms. Paniccia, who succinctly explained many of the reasons why she decided to attend the college.

“I chose UConn not only for the academics, but the little things in between,” Ms. Paniccia said. “The school truly prides itself as a community and embraces school traditions. But what really pulled me toward UConn’s nursing program is the fact that they praise their students for every little achievement. This university truly wants to see you thrive and the professors seemed so eager and enthusiastic to help you get to where you want to be. In addition, I wanted a school where I could really be active and the university has such a great student life with so many activities, clubs, and sports. And honestly, UConn winning the NCAA (twice in a row) was a big deciding factor!”

Like her classmates, Ms. Paniccia has had her eye on a nursing career for many years. She has felt drawn to the profession since she was a child.

“For as long as I remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” Ms. Paniccia said. “Even when I was little and you would dress in the profession you wanted to be when I grew up, I always chose to be a nurse. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare and are dedicated to helping others. I want to be able to make positive changes in people’s lives and truly do something larger than myself. Moreover, I want to specialize in pediatrics as everyone has always told me I have this nurturing and friendly aspect about myself.”

Ms. Paniccia played on Huntington’s first Suffolk Final Four field hockey team and she has enjoyed life at the high school over the past four years.

“I will forever cherish the experiences I have gained at Huntington High School from being a part of the athletics program, student body and the variety of clubs offered. I’ve truly made some of my greatest memories, achievements and friendships within the walls of Huntington High School. And I have not only learned in the classroom, but outside as well. I believe that some of my best highlights came from being a part of Huntington’s athletics, including being captain of the field hockey team my senior year and going to the playoffs two years in a row with a team that I will forever be grateful for playing on. If I could give my younger self any advice I would say to never focus too much on little failures, but rather focus on what you did achieve.”

Ms. Froggatt Bale investigated every aspect of UConn and liked what she found. It meets her interests both in and out of the classroom, including academically and socially.

“What draws me to UConn is its academic reputation (both in general and for nursing), the vibrant campus and the exceptional number of opportunities for personal and professional growth,” Ms. Froggatt Bale said. “It seems like there’s a strong sense of community at UConn and I’m looking for a school where I can get involved outside the classroom as well. From internships to research opportunities and a strong alumni network, it offers the resources and support I believe necessary for myself and others to thrive. And I can’t forget to mention the basketball games!”

Ms. Froggatt Bale knows exactly what she’s getting into with her career choice and she is looking to specialize in a specific area of nursing.

“As a future neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse, I aspire to be a source of comfort and support for families navigating the uncertainty and challenges that come with having a baby in critical condition,” Ms. Froggatt Bale said. “Ultimately, my decision to pursue nursing and specialize in NICU care is driven by my fascination with the intricacies of human life and a deep respect for the indomitable human spirit. It’s a calling that I embrace wholeheartedly, knowing that the journey ahead will be both incredibly challenging and immensely rewarding as I pursue a career dedicated to caring for the tiniest and most fragile members of our society.”

While she is excited to move on to UConn and a career in nursing, Ms. Froggatt Bale will never forget Huntington High School or the community that comprises the area.

“Apart from the exceptional academics, the sense of community at Huntington is truly unlike any other,” Ms. Froggatt Bale said. “From spirited pep rallies to group projects, I’ve forged lifelong friendships and developed invaluable teamwork and leadership skills that will serve me well in the future. The dedicated teachers and staff at Huntington have played a pivotal role in my educational journey. Their support, encouragement and guidance have empowered me to overcome challenges and pursue my passions.”