Katelyn Pike ’09, N.H. Superstar, President’s Report
Born and raised in one of northern New Hampshire's picturesque small towns, Katelyn Pike grew up with a deep appreciation for her roots—and a desire to test her own limits. Awarded a prestigious four-year Arnold P. and Della A. Hanson scholarship to attend the University of New Hampshire in 2005, she enrolled in the University’s challenging nursing curriculum. As a senior, Pike continued to maintain the high standards for achievement she set for herself as a first year student, and gained the hands-on experience she needed to succeed as a registered nurse.
In May, Pike graduated with her R.N. degree. Eventually, she foresees graduate work for herself and an advanced nurse practitioner degree. "In my time at UNH, I've grown as a person and love who I'm becoming as a nurse," she says. "I'm excited for what the future holds for me and look forward to learning from every experience I come across."
Did you grow up in Coos County? If so, what was it like to grow up there?
I was born and raised in Gorham, a one-streetlight town in southern Coos County. We would have to drive 30 minutes to the nearest movie theater and two hours to shop at a mall. I graduated in a class of 40 students and spent a lot of my time involved in school clubs and activities or enjoying outdoor activities like skiing, bike riding, and hiking. With little to no diversity and a lack of available jobs, I learned early that a good education is important, not only to achieve financial stability, but also to be able to grow as a person.
Why did you choose UNH? And why nursing as a major?
I always knew I wanted a career in health care. In high school, my favorite classes were science-related and I loved dissecting things in biology and anatomy class. At first I thought I'd love being a doctor, but one of my teachers told me something I'll never forget: "Doctors are fixers, nurses are healers and nurturers." I love helping people, I love connecting with people. . . nursing was definitely the right decision for me. Building relationships and interacting with people on a very personal level are some of the things I love most about nursing.
As far as choosing UNH, I knew I didn't want to attend a school too far away from home. UNH offers a diverse environment, tons of extracurricular activities, and has a highly acclaimed nursing program. I applied for early acceptance at UNH because I was positive this was the place I wanted to be.
What role did financial assistance play in your coming to UNH?
Around the same time I was graduating high school and applying to college, the economy in my hometown was declining. The paper mill in Berlin, the major source of jobs and income for many families—including my own—was closing. A lot of people lost their jobs, making money tight and a touchy subject for many families. UNH, being a state school, seemed like a smart choice for me to further my education. I was extremely lucky to receive the Hanson scholarship. The Hanson family’s generosity made my dream of coming to UNH a reality.
Do you plan to be a nurse in the North Country, or what are your plans for when you graduate?
Currently, I'm not planning on moving back to Coos County to work after graduation. Honestly, I'm not sure what my future has in store for me, and that's okay with me. Part of the excitement of graduating and starting a new chapter of my life is not knowing where I'll end up. I do know that whenever I leave New England I realize how much I appreciate what New Hampshire has to offer, and how much I feel at home when I come back.
Do you think a UNH education is particularly important where you grew up?
I think an education is important for everyone, regardless of where home is. Continuing education after high school helps to expand one's knowledge base, achieve jobs that otherwise would’t be available without a degree, and ultimately experience things that only college life has to offer. I know that where I'm from, there are fewer and fewer jobs available to people who have not attended college. UNH offers a huge variety of majors, and is a great place for individuals, especially New Hampshire residents, to further their education.
Attending UNH has had a huge impact on who I've become as a person, and I'm thankful for the experiences, education, and lessons I've learned while being here.
--By Kristin Dibber
Link:
Department of Nursing http://www.chhs.unh.edu/nursing/