My name is Brooke Buchanan! I am a student at the Cormier Honors College of Longwood University. I am a nursing major with a minor in Health Education. I have lived in Poquoson, Virginia all my life and love living near the water! I enjoy living in this close-knit small town because family and friends are really important to me. I have two brothers and a sister with whom I enjoy spending time with when I am home. Both of my grandparents live within five miles of my house and I love listening to their wisdom and personal stories. My favorite things to do are dance, relax at the beach, and bake desserts!
I chose to pursue a career in nursing because I have been greatly influenced by nurses throughout my mother’s battle with breast cancer and my brother’s multiple stays in the intensive care unit. I have had the opportunity to observe the compassionate and empathetic characteristics of nurses firsthand. I have always enjoyed helping to fulfill the needs of others while maintaining an understanding attitude. My minor in health education will allow me to give back to my local community. I greatly believe in educating the public and those in need about health risks and methods of prevention.
Throughout high school I created a baking business where I specialize in cupcakes. My initial goal was to raise money for a single mission trip in the spring of my freshman year. My idea became a success as I gained many loyal supporters that have stuck with me throughout the past eight years. I have continued to bake for graduations, holidays, small weddings, and birthdays. My mission trips have taken me to areas such as Philadelphia, Nashville, New York City, Cincinnati, and Hampton Roads. The summer before my senior year of high school I travelled to a country in West Africa where I spent nine days with ten other students. This opportunity required bi-weekly trainings throughout my entire junior year to prepare. I learned about the Islamic faith and the culture of the area while planning a kid’s camp. My favorite part of each day was interacting with the children while we played games and made crafts. Overall, the experience was life changing because I was able to witness poverty and how the people in that country lived without all of the glamorous items we have in the United States.
I look forward to capturing my Longwood experience through this blog!