Michael O’Brien graduated from the Nursing Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree Program at B��Ԫ in May of 2023. It was from a young age that Michael’s knowledge about Maria began; he witnessed the opportunity that his mother was given being an alumnus and decided to follow in her footsteps. Though his journey would not immediately take him here. In his time before Maria, Michael studied at another college, became a 911 dispatcher, and then went on to serve in the Navy as a Cryptologic Technician for four years.

During Michael’s time in the Navy, he needed surgery to correct an injury, but the outcome of the surgery was poor. As a result, he was medically separated from the military. During this time, he observed various healthcare scenarios but felt that there was a need for improvement.

“Although most of my care teams were very patient-centered, I got to witness first-hand the importance of patient-centered care,” said Michael. “While at the time I looked at the situation as trying to heal so I could return to active duty, I was subconsciously taking notes that I would use to better myself in the future.”

With his mother’s example as an inspiration, Michael continued to follow in her footsteps and pushed himself to get into the Maria nursing program, so that he could influence the healthcare system in a positive way.

“I remember the first week I was home I had a conversation with my mother on how I could help to fix issues I had seen not only during my care, but in the care of the sailors I worked with. She had just graduated with her DNP/FNP and told me that to make a meaningful impact, I would have to advance my education.”

This idea of commitment to his community wasn’t new to Michael, as he has volunteered for his local firehouse for the past seven years and was promoted to Lieutenant this past year.

In addition to his mother’s influence, Maria’s high NCLEX pass rates solidified Michael’s decision that this was the college for him.

“Even before I decided to attend B��Ԫ myself, I saw the opportunity it provided my mother. I remember as a child going to the college, and the faculty and staff always being extremely warm and welcoming. Now that I am a student myself, I fully understand that they all truly believe in their students and help to work with them to meet their highest potentials.”

Although the pandemic has proven to be challenging in new ways, Michael has persevered and succeeded. He looks forward to continuing for his BSN as soon as he finishes his Associate Degree this spring and hopes to continue pursuing his DNP/FNP just as his mother did.