Summer Amrou said she loves the thrill that nursing offers.
“I love learning and I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie,” Amrou said. “The thrill of constantly pushing myself makes the tough times worth it.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2024 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
Graduating Saturday, Dec. 14, with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, Amrou said she has plans to push her drive to the next level.
“After graduation, I’m heading straight for the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) exam,” she said. “The goal? To take my emergency trauma skills to the skies as a flight nurse.”
Amrou won’t settle with her CFRN, though. Her aim is to work towards becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
“Just call me a lifelong student, but the ultimate goal is to be the coolest FNP in trauma. After I’m all set as a flight nurse, I’ll switch gears and apply for my Family Nurse Practitioner program,” she said. “I’m still undecided about going part time or full time, but I know I’ve got the grit to power through the FNP program.
“My ultimate goal is to settle in a place where the trees and mountains are endless and there’s a body of water nearby,” Amrou added. “You know, somewhere with a view that makes you want to breathe in the air deeply and appreciate life every day. I’m still figuring out where that will be but it’s on my vision board.”
While earning her degree online, Amrou currently works as an emergency trauma nurse in Wisconsin.
“I’m a proud first-generation Lebanese Palestinian, and I bring that strength and resilience into every shift at my job,” she said. “Been at it for four years and added travel nursing into the mix two years ago — because why not make life more interesting?”
While earning her degree online, Summer Amrou currently works as an emergency trauma nurse in Wisconsin. She graduates Saturday with a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Kelly Lewandowski, an instructor in the College of Nursing, said Amrou was a great student.
“Summer is the type of student that we as instructors wish we could clone at times,” Lewandowski said. “She is a great student and is very responsive to the coursework and my ongoing emails. I could not be happier for Summer.”
Despite the hardships of balancing nursing with education, Amrou said it would all be worthwhile, and that nursing students like her should never give up.
“Nursing school is like a marathon through molasses, but you get stronger every mile,” she said. “Don’t give up. It gets tough, it gets emotional, and yep, it’s exhausting. Take care of yourself, too – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Drink water, eat real food and take breaks. Don’t forget: You’re learning to care for others, so remember to take care of yourself first.
“I see education as the key to unlocking a better, more exciting life,” Amrou added. “It’s like planting a tree — at first, it feels slow and maybe even a bit frustrating, but if you keep at it, the roots get deeper, the branches stretch higher and eventually, you’re sitting under the shade, enjoying the fruits of your labor. That’s the dream: to work hard now for a future that’s both fulfilling and adventurous.”
