{"id":96067,"date":"2025-11-26T04:00:06","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T08:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/?p=96067"},"modified":"2025-12-01T10:13:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T14:13:29","slug":"rocket-romance-now-newlyweds-m-s-n-students-fell-in-love-in-class-study-sessions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/index.php\/11_26_2025\/rocket-romance-now-newlyweds-m-s-n-students-fell-in-love-in-class-study-sessions","title":{"rendered":"Rocket Romance: Now Newlyweds, M.S.N. Students Fell in Love in Class Study Sessions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nursing has always been more than a career path for Conner Buraszeski and Ali Buraszeski, n\u00e9e Roeder. More than a calling, nursing is the thread that connected them at The University of Toledo.<\/p>\n

Today, they\u2019re balancing graduate school, demanding full-time jobs and newlywed life, all while preparing to walk across the stage together on May 2 to receive their master of science degree in nursing, with a concentration as family nurse practitioner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Conner Buraszeski and Ali Buraszeski are balancing graduate school, demanding full-time jobs and married life, all while preparing to walk across the stage together on May 2.<\/p><\/div>\n

Their story as a couple began in class \u2014 through neither expected it to lead to marriage.<\/p>\n

Both were enrolled in the mostly online M.S.N. Program<\/a>, which requires hands-on checkoffs. Conner reached out to Ali on Facebook, asking if she wanted to be his checkoff partner. Ali, who had gained early experience by becoming a state tested nursing assistant (STNA) in high school, thought he simply needed study help.<\/p>\n

\u201cI quickly realized I was the one learning from him,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Their study sessions soon turned into long conversations and, eventually, into something more.<\/p>\n

When Conner proposed to Ali, he chose a place that meant everything to them: Carlson Library. On the same floor where they had first studied side by side, he got down on one knee during a birthday photoshoot Ali had arranged as a surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt made the place that brought us together even more special,\u201d Ali said. \u201cIt is a memory we will carry with us forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shared Challenges, Shared Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n

Their time at UToledo has been filled with challenges, but they\u2019ve faced them together.<\/p>\n

Conner, a Waterville native, always knew UToledo was his first choice, especially after utilizing the College Credit Plus program in high school to get an early, cost-free start on his education. He graduated with his B.S.N.<\/a> in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe high acuity of patients, limited resources and expedited training helped me develop critical thinking skills that shaped my career,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He now serves as assistant director of nursing in the surgical intensive care unit at University of Toledo Medical Center.<\/p>\n

Ali\u2019s path included its own hurdles. After earning her UToledo B.S.N.<\/a> in 2018, she began working full time at ProMedica\u2019s free-standing emergency department and urgent care. During her first semester of graduate school, however, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease and hospitalized. The illness forced her to pause and reset \u2014 but also gave her a deeper understanding of the patients for whom she cares.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat perspective has made me more compassionate and taught me the importance of really listening to my patients,\u201d Ali said.<\/p>\n

Balancing illness, work and graduate classes was difficult, but having Conner in the program helped, Ali said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife, Ali, has also been such an incredible support system. Going through this program together has helped us both keep each other accountable and stay motivated together,\u201d Conner said.
\nThe couple built small traditions to make the journey easier, including celebrating each exam with dinner at their favorite restaurant, Souk.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead, Together<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"When

When Conner proposed to Ali, he chose a place that meant everything to them: Carlson Library. On the same floor where they had first studied side by side, the couple recreated the proposal, when he got down on one knee during a birthday photoshoot Ali had arranged as a surprise.<\/p><\/div>\n

Conner and Ali have clear goals for the future, and they plan to achieve them side by side.<\/p>\n

Ali said that she hopes to work as a family nurse practitioner in primary care, urgent care or emergency medicine, with the long-term dream of opening a clinic that blends primary care with functional medicine. Conner shares her vision, hoping to focus on men\u2019s health and wellness to break down misconceptions about aging and quality of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeday, we\u2019d love to open a clinic together,\u201d Conner said. \u201cA place that combines our passions and provides holistic care for every patient who walks through the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

They plan for the clinic to focus on prevention, wellness and chronic illness, treating patients as “whole people.”<\/p>\n

Their journey at UToledo has already given them the foundation they need. Both credit faculty mentors for supporting them along the way. Conner points to Dr. James F. Oberlander, director of the Pre-Licensure B.S.N. Program whose passion for teaching and for nursing reinforced his decision to continue his education.<\/p>\n

Ali highlights Dr. Susan Rice, a professor in the College of Health and Human Services,\u00a0who she said, \u00a0\u201cgoes above and beyond for her students\u201d and pushes them to realize their potential.<\/p>\n

Dr. Jennifer Johnson, an instructor of acute care nurse practitioner, said that “Conner and Ali are both wonderful students and kind individuals; It is evident they have a gift in nursing. I look forward to seeing them develop as advanced practice nurses and caring for our community. It was a privilege to be their instructor.”<\/p>\n

Advice for Future Rockets<\/strong><\/p>\n

When asked what advice they\u2019d give to students starting their own nursing journey, they keep it simple.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay focused on your \u2018why,\u2019 \u201d Conner said. \u201cNursing is demanding but remembering your purpose will carry you through the hard days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ali added: \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to lean on others. Whether it\u2019s classmates, faculty, family or friends, you don\u2019t have to do it alone. That support makes all the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they look forward to their wedding celebrations, their May 2026 graduation and their future careers, Conner and Ali remain grateful for the experiences that brought them together at UToledo.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing part of the UToledo community as a couple means that we share more than just an academic journey,\u201d Ali said. \u201cIt\u2019s also where our story began and continues to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n