[Editor's note: This is part 8 of 11 in a series of Aquinas College student profiles being published on the Aquinas website throughout the spring 2012 semester.]

For sophomore Jason Ardelean being a part of the nursing program has been a constant joy. "It’s the hardest thing I've ever done," he said relating how direct admissions to the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) nursing program at Aquinas was a big draw for him along with the small atmosphere and friendly community.

"It has its moments when you want to give up, but it has moments in clinicals and knowing that you can make a difference in someone's life, it’s worth it. It’s really worth it," said the Owosso, Michigan native with infectious enthusiasm.

Ardelean plans to go into ER nursing and his ultimate goal is to become a flight nurse, an goal he acquired a taste for this past summer when he was able to fly with a flight team. For now though, he is content to pour all of his energy into his classes, his clinical visits, the AQ hockey team (which he plays offensive forward for) and two student organizations: AQ Stars, which supports the "Make A Wish" foundation and Saints for Scholarships, a student group that promotes scholarships for Aquinas students. Ardelean said that being the Vice President of Saints for Scholarships is ironic because he didn’t receive an Aquinas scholarship. Like all students in the nursing program, he is technically a UDM student who takes classes taught by UDM professors, a distinction he didn’t really feel until recently.

It is clear that Ardelean likes giving back and helping people, something he would like to be remembered for after he completes his studies in 2014. He would like other students, whether they be in the nursing program or not, to remember that despite circumstances they should stay positive and upbeat. "A smile goes a long way,” he said grinning. “I've learned that."

He has found a tight-knit group of friends within the nursing program, as well as a good base of support. Having to interact with the same people almost 24/7, Ardelean said that the students in the program are always laughing and joking while trying to sympathize and study with each other.

For students considering the nursing program, he offers this advice: "It’s going to be tough. You're going to want to give up. But don’t give up because it’s going to be worth it in the end." For Ardelean the program's courses are a challenge, but he believes they are made easier by the drive to succeed.

Ardelean has been able to directly apply every lesson during his clinicals which, during the spring 2012 semester, are at a nursing home. Working with the elderly isn't what he expected - it is a lot more fun than he would have thought a few months ago. And the lessons from his general education classes have continued to build upon each other. Having had to take communication and psychology courses at Aquinas have allowed him to quickly learn how to get to know people, a skill which he will carry with him into the medical field. “It really opens your eyes and makes you diverse and adaptable to whatever is thrown at you,” he said.

Since freshman year Ardelean has learned time management skills in a trial-by-fire sort of way, something he didn’t have to do in high school. He said that prioritization has become engrained into him from having had to balance his different responsibilities. It is about getting off the computer and stepping away from Facebook, he joked.