As the December Class of 2024 gets ready to cross the commencement stage, graduates of the University of South Carolina carry with them cherished memories of lasting friendships, discovered passions, inspiring mentors and transformative experiences.
We asked Smart Start nursing student, Charlotte Burts to reflect on what made her Carolina journey unforgettable.
How USC changed my life: The University of South Carolina has given me some of the most formative relationships and experiences of my entire life. As a nursing student, I have had the opportunity to spend countless hours in a 110-person cohort of students, some of whom have become my closest friends that I couldn't live without. As someone involved in Greek life, the Student Nurses Association and undergraduate research, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing students, faculty and staff, all of which have shaped my experience here at Carolina for the better. For the last four years, this university has become one of my favorite hellos, and is soon to be one of my hardest goodbyes. I believe that my future as a nurse and a person has been ultimately improved by all of the experiences and people that I have had the pleasure of being with at the University of South Carolina.
Advice for incoming students: Put yourself out there no matter what. While the prospect of making friends at such a large university can feel daunting, you'll never know the amazing people you may find when you choose to reach out and spread your wings. You may just meet some of the best friends you've ever had and learn a little bit more about yourself along the way.
What I’ve learned about myself: I think the most important thing I've learned about myself is that I can do hard things. My academics and research have taken me from the depths of the library databases all the way to a weekend at Harvard University. The countless hours in clinicals, studying for exams, being a leader in the student nurses' organization, and working on my personal research have taught me that while it may not always be perfect, I can work hard to achieve my goals and pursue my passions.
What played a role in my success: Dr. Pamela Wright and the College of Nursing Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation (ACORN) have played an integral part in my success as an undergraduate these past three and a half years. From my very first semester, Dr. Wright has been nothing but encouraging to me and has always been there for me in my times of need. She has always pushed me to explore my passions and work hard for my research. She has changed the way I have thought about nursing and research in ways that I believe will impact me for the rest of my life. Anyone would be lucky to have a research mentor like Dr. Wright, and I am incredibly grateful for the way she has colored my time with the college of nursing and the university as a whole.
A favorite memory: One of my favorite memories may be the time that my friends and I drove from the state streets in Olympia to jump in the Thomas Cooper fountain after the women’s basketball championship earlier this year. Although, I think the funniest part of the day is that my friends and I all walked into the library afterwards and had to study for an exam for the next few hours, wet shoes and all.
What’s next: I have accepted a job at the Copper Mountain Ski resort in Frisco, Colorado as a ski lift operator from January - May of 2025 to pursue my passion for skiing as an unofficial gap semester. Once returning from Colorado, I plan to pursue my goal of becoming an Emergency Room nurse.