My name is Kaylee Eckert (pictured above on the left), and I am a class of 2023 student at Longwood University! I am earning my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree with a minor in Biology. I am also a scholar of the Cormier Honors College. Since before I could remember, I have always known that I’ve wanted to have a career in the healthcare profession. This dream was mainly sparked by my dad, who has been a Paramedic and Firefighter for all of my life. My mom has also played an important role in my career choice because of her job as a juvenile psychologist, so she has inspired me to want to work in pediatric healthcare. In late middle school, I chose the career path of becoming a nurse, and I have been diligently working towards this goal since then. I chose Longwood University because of its nationally-ranked nursing program and honors college.
When I was 16 years old, I became a nationally registered EMT and began volunteering at my local fire-rescue station. This decision has by far been the best decision that I’ve ever made because it has opened so many doors for me to become even more successful as a nurse. For example, the summer before I came to Longwood as a Freshman in 2019, I was given the opportunity of being a “mini-fellowship student” at VCU’s Level 1 Trauma Center hospital in their Emergency Department. Because of this fellowship, my experience as an EMT, and being in nursing school, I was later offered a permanent job in VCU’s Pediatric Emergency Department as a nursing care partner in April of 2020.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, and students were sent home from Longwood, I continued volunteering with my rescue squad as well as working in the ED. Although it was scary and physically/emotionally tiring to be on the front lines fighting this disease, the experience provided me with an incredibly valuable perspective on life and healthcare. I learned how to be a compassionate friend for patients who couldn’t have their families by their side in times of emergencies. I became more confident in my ability to be an independent provider because of staffing shortages. I stayed educated on COVID-19 research and policy updates so that I could be a public advocate for safety and wellness–– I even participated in a clinical trial that helped identify a correlation between blood types and susceptibility to COVID-19. As the pandemic has continued into 2022, I am still learning new lessons that will help me become a better EMT, nurse, student, and individual.
From the moment that I stepped onto Longwood’s campus, I was always told that being involved in a plethora of clubs would be one of the best things that I could do at Longwood. So, I heeded this advice and immediately began joining clubs and organizations that held meaning to me. In the Honors Student Association, I held the leadership position of Community Service chair for 2 years (Spring ’20-Fall 21′). I have been the Vice President of Service and Philanthropy for the Student Nursing Association for 2 years (Spring ’21-Fall’22). And most recently, I have become the Vice President of Service for the Mortar Board Honor Society Geist Chapter (Spring ’22-Spring ’23).
Other accomplishments that I have achieved during my time at Longwood have been: multiple academic scholarships, making the Cook-Cole Dean’s List 4 times, being awarded the 2020 Emerging Leader Award, receiving the first-ever Compassionate Achiever Award from Dean Dr. Kukk, getting a commendation from Longwood’s secret society CHI, being the sophomore class Mittenmeister Spirit Leader in Oktoberfest 2021, and receiving a Joan of Arc Award for Excellence Medallion as a junior in 2022.
As I enter my senior year of college, I want my legacy to be that serving others is the best way to improve yourself.
All of these experiences have made my time at Longwood so much more memorable than I ever could have asked for! One of the biggest reasons that I chose to attend Longwood is because of their commitment to making great citizen leaders through service to others. From what I have seen so far, I know that the four years that I spend at Longwood will be some of the best of my life. (: