Falcon Spark

Alumna strives to provide compassion as OR nurse

By Amber Stark ’99

People choose their professions for a variety of reasons – Emily Drown ’16 chose hers for a very personal one.

“I chose nursing after I experienced a trauma in high school,” the May 2016 graduate said. “I was in the hospital and had to undergo surgery. While I was there, the nurses were absolutely wonderful. They made sure I felt comfortable and that I wasn’t afraid. They took care of me and kept me at ease.”

Drown said she will forever be grateful for receiving such wonderful care.

“After that experience, I realized that I wanted to be able to help people, just like those nurses had helped me. I wanted to go into a profession where you put others before yourself and you care for them and comfort them in a time of need,” she said.

Drown chose Bowling Green State University in order to fulfill that goal, not because her parents, Allen ’90 and Carol ’90, are Falcon Flames or because two aunts and an uncle attended BGSU, but because it instantly felt like home to her.

“I chose the University solely based on the fact that I felt at home and everyone was so friendly and welcoming,” she said. “I knew as soon as I stepped onto campus that this would be my home for four years. And it turned out that it became more than home. It became my whole life. I love Bowling Green with my whole heart. The memories made in this town will forever hold a place in my heart.”

Within a week of graduating from BGSU, Drown received several job offers. She discussed the pros and cons of each with her family, ultimately choosing the University of Michigan Hospital. She is now a registered nurse in the operating room.

“I chose the University of Michigan Hospital because it is one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation,” Drown said. “I promised myself I would work hard and push myself to reach for the stars and work for a top hospital in the country – and here I am.”

She added that she believes BGSU helped her get the position.

“BGSU allowed me to cultivate my education first and foremost. BGSU also allowed me to grow in my leadership skills, community service involvement, and overall, develop me into the woman I am today,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help from faculty/staff at BGSU and my experiences throughout my college career.”

Drown said that two professors in particular – Patty Sopko and Jim Oberlander – pushed her and prepared her for her career.

“I am looking forward to starting my nursing career and really diving into everything I have worked hard for in school,” she said, adding that she would like to go on and get her doctorate. “Nursing is a career where you are constantly learning and continuing education. I am so excited to further my knowledge and apply that to patient care. I want to be a compassionate and caring nurse.”

While at BGSU, Drown demonstrated compassion and caring while running a blood drive, serving on the Bike for Tikes Core Committee and participating in multiple community service projects, including meals for the homeless, Habitat for Humanity and game night with Wood Lane Residential. She also held several positions in Alpha Omicron Pi, including president, was president of the Pre-Nursing Student Organization, held a position in the Student Nurses’ Association and joined Order of Omega.

“I can’t put into words how thankful I am for these opportunities. They allowed me to master multitasking, organization, time management, responsibility, leadership and everything else that led me to this amazing career opportunity at the University of Michigan,” she said. “Not only was I able to be involved, but I was also able to succeed academically, which is what I came to BGSU for, and graduate cum laude.”