Annalisa Bucaro

Annalisa Bucaro

Class Year

’23

Hometown

Addison, Illinois

Major(s)

Nursing

Nursing student Annalisa Bucaro ’23 chose Carthage for the small class sizes, faculty expertise, and to get involved on campus as much as possible. “The small class sizes and inter-professional relationships with my professors have been vital to my success. Choosing Carthage was the right choice because I am the perfect distance away from home and still get to have the college experience!”

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“I think that other students should consider nursing. It is a lot of work, but it is a high-demand field, and there will always be jobs. It is a very rewarding field if you are passionate about caring for others.”

Annalisa Bucaro, ’23

Why Carthage?

“I chose Carthage because I knew I could make my mark here and get involved fully. The small class sizes and inter-professional relationships with my professors have been vital to my success. Choosing Carthage was the right choice because I am the perfect distance away from home and still get to have the college experience!”

Faculty mentors

“The faculty at Carthage has been nothing but a joy! My nursing professors are extremely passionate and hardworking and always want the best for their students. Whenever I have a question or concern and need to see them, they welcome me with open arms. I am always greeted by name and walk out with my questions answered… along with the occasional piece of candy!”

Favorite class

“I think my favorite class at Carthage would have to be Nursing Practice I: Improving Adult Health Outcomes! Professor Joy taught the content well and was informative. I got to learn a ton of information regarding different body systems and how diseases affect the body.”

Toughest class

“Hands down, Pharmacology. Memorizing and applying drugs and drugs and more drugs to the systems was not my cup of tea. It was so hard and definitely a high-level class. I am so happy I passed, though! All my work studying for Pharm had paid off!”

Campus involvement

“I am part of Pi Theta social sorority, where I have held various leadership roles. I am on the dance team as well, so you can always find me at football and basketball games. In addition to these recreational activities, I have two jobs on campus: I tutor for two nursing classes and work in the Admissions Office, either giving tours or working at the front desk answering the phone.”

Internships or campus employment

“Over the summer, I worked as a student nurse extern through Loyola Medicine. I could apply all my nursing school knowledge and float throughout a hospital near my hometown! It was a great experience, and I continue to work at the hospital during my breaks from school.”

Career goal

“After graduation, I plan on taking my NCLEX and then hope to work in a hospital on a medical-surgical unit in the Chicagoland area. I worked as a student nurse extern over the summer and absolutely loved working with this population of patients! I also hope to travel and learn new things once I graduate.”

Favorite spot on campus

“I love to study at Starbucks, but any spot near the lake is always the place to be... especially when it is nice outside!”

Favorite memory

“I have loved making lifelong friendships, being heavily involved in campus life, and making my Carthage experience great!”

Biggest surprise

“Even attending a small school, I still meet people and get more opportunities.”

Advice for other students in your major?

“I think that other students should consider nursing. It is a lot of work, but it is a high-demand field, and there will always be jobs. It is a very rewarding field if you are passionate about caring for others.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“My 8-year-old self would be happy I have a great college experience. I think she would be surprised about going into the medical field too.”

Scholarships

“I was able to receive some merit scholarships based on my high school GPA, along with some nursing scholarships and other various grants.”