Marcela Pedron
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Traditional BSN Senior I
mpedro@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Marcela Pedron! My journey into nursing began with a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives through compassionate health care. I chose LSU because it is ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation and provides outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth. My advice to prospective students is to never compare your journey to someone elses!

Jake Hernandez
Hometown: Belle Chasse, LA
Traditional BSN Junior II
jhern6@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, I’m Jake Hernandez, a nursing student at LSU Health Sciences Center. I came here because I wanted a program that would prepare me for the realities of nursing while still encouraging me to succeed. If I could give advice, it would be to stay curious and lean into learning — it makes everything less overwhelming.

Deontay L. Shaw
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Traditional BSN Senior I
dshaw1@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Deontay Shaw, a BSN student at LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. I chose LSU because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and opportunities to grow as a leader in nursing. My advice for prospective students is to stay resilient, lean on your peers, and embrace every learning opportunity. You’ll grow more than you expect.

De’Ziah A. Rucker
Hometown: Miami, FL
Traditional BSN Senior I
drucke@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is De’Ziah Rucker, and I’m a nursing student at LSU School of Nursing. I’m actively involved in many student associations and love tutoring my peers along the way. Nursing school has been an exciting journey that continues to push me to grow and chase my goals!

Emily Chopin
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Traditional BSN Senior I
echopi@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Emily Chopin and I'm from New Orleans! My advice to prospective students is to prioritize your mental health. Take the time to do the things you love with the people you love!

Ainsley Embley
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Traditional BSN Senior I
aemble@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Ainsley, a Junior 2 nursing student at LSUHSC. I have loved finding community and purpose through both the challenges and triumphs of nursing school. I chose LSU because I wanted a program that pushed me academically while surrounding me with people just as passionate about healthcare as I am. My best advice for prospective students is to stay open to growth; you’ll surprise yourself with how capable you really are!

Lance Brooks
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Traditional BSN Senior I
lbro48@lsuhsc.edu

I am a 21-year-old Junior II (Jr II) Traditional BSN student from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and I am currently the Membership Developmental Chair of Men in Nursing (MNO) at LSUHSC. I completed all of my pre-nursing classes at LSU in Baton Rouge, and I chose LSU School of Nursing because of the diversity and opportunities it has to further pursue my career and education. I enjoy meeting new people and helping in any way I can!

Soliana Tewelde
Hometown: Harvey, LA
Traditional BSN Junior II
stewel@lsuhsc.edu

Hi! My name is Soliana Tewelde, and I was born and raised in New Orleans. I chose LSU School of Nursing for its strong reputation and supportive learning environment, which has helped me grow both academically and personally while also building resilience and deepening my passion for patient care. My advice to future students is to stay organized, lean on your peers, and remember why you started—your "why" will carry you through the tough days.

Lamar Smith III
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Traditional BSN Junior II
lsmi50@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Lamar Smith III, a Junior 1 nursing student at LSUHSC School of Nursing. I chose nursing because I want to make a meaningful difference in patients lives. My advice for prospective nursing students is to master time management, ask for help when needed, and don’t be afraid to get to know all of your classmates.

Isabela Pearce
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Traditional BSN Senior I
ipearc@lsuhsc.edu

I am a nursing student at LSU School of Nursing, and I chose this program because of the amazing learning opportunities and supportive environment. Nursing school has been a challenging but rewarding journey that’s taught me a lot about resilience and teamwork. My best advice for future students is to stay positive, ask questions, and always believe in yourself!

Sasha Harris
Hometown: Gilliam, LA
CARE BSN Junior II (OCIS Shreveport)
shar24@lsuhsc.edu

I’m an undergraduate nursing student at LSU School of Nursing. I chose LSU because of its strong clinical training, supportive faculty, and reputation for preparing students to thrive in diverse healthcare settings. If you're considering nursing school, look for a program that challenges you academically while also offering mentorship and real-world experience—LSU has been that place for me.

Leah Gill
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Traditional BSN Senior I
lgill4@lsuhsc.edu

I chose LSU nursing because I wanted to attend a program where I knew I would be supported and pushed to grow. I have enjoyed all of my clinical rotations so far, but I would love to work in critical care in the future. My best advice for prospective students is to start studying early- the amount of material can creep up on you if you procrastinate!

Jazlynn Taylor
Hometown: Slidell, LA
CARE BSN Senior I
jtay20@lsuhsc.edu

Breonna Garrett
Hometown: Longview, TX
Traditional BSN Junior I
bgarr4@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Breonna, and I'm a nursing student at LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing with a goal of pursuing a career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Nursing school has challenged me to grow clinically, academically, and personally while reinforcing my commitment to caring for children with complex medical needs. For prospective students, my advice is to embrace the learning process, ask for help when you need it, trust that confidence comes with time, and remember why you started because the hard days truly pay off.

Bre'Auana Logan
Hometown: Natchitoches, LA
Traditional BSN Junior I
blogan@lsuhsc.edu

I’m a first-generation college student and a twin, and my love for nursing comes from a deep desire to care for children and be a source of comfort for families during difficult moments. Choosing LSU School of Nursing has given me the opportunity to turn that passion into purpose through hands-on learning and meaningful clinical experiences. Every challenge in nursing school reminds me why caring for others, especially kids, is at the center of who I am.

Cedriona Douglas
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Traditional BSN Junior I
cdoug1@lsuhsc.edu

Hi! My name is Cedriona, and I’m currently a Junior 1. A few interesting things about me are that I love to travel, I’m the oldest of six, and I’m also in the military. My time at LSUHSC so far has been bittersweet, yet nothing short of amazing. I’ve met some incredible friends, cried, laughed, and made so many unforgettable memories. When I made the decision to uproot my life and move to New Orleans for nursing school, I was afraid and hesitant. I worried that I wouldn’t fit in and that I might miss out on a true college experience. However, I chose LSUHSC because of the amazing faculty and the support I received throughout the application process, and if I had to choose again, I would pick LSUHSC a thousand times over. This school has not only brought me joy, but it has also helped build long-lasting friendships and relationships that I will cherish forever. My advice to future students is to not be afraid to start over and to remain open-minded to new journeys, because you never know where they may lead.

Lyndsey Brooks
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Traditional BSN Junior I
lbro46@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Lyndsey, and I’m a Junior 1 nursing student whose journey began with a passion for helping others. This program has challenged me, strengthened me, and shaped me into the person I am today. My advice to future students is to stay focused, ask for help when needed, and always remember your “why”—you are stronger than you think, and LSU provides an incredible support system.

Bailee King
Hometown: Dickinson, TX
Traditional BSN Junior I
bkin11@lsuhsc.edu

My name is Bailee King, and I chose LSU School of Nursing because of its strong outcomes and the efficiency of its program. Nursing school is challenging, but coming in with confidence, finding a study method that works for you, and staying consistent makes all the difference. My advice to future students is to get involved on campus, believe in yourself, and trust that with discipline and persistence, you can achieve anything. 💜

Mykhael Wilson
Hometown: Gretna, LA
Traditional BSN Junior I
mwil87@lsuhsc.edu

Hiii, I'm Mykhael! I chose LSU because I truly fell in love with the campus during my tour, especially the simulation lab. My biggest piece of advice is you only fail when you give up, so never give up on anything you want in life!