Developing Role Models

By Maddie Gehling ‘17

From stuffed animals to field trips, Bradley students have nursed positive relationships with elementary students for the past year. Bradley nursing majors led a series of health outreach events at Peoria’s Trewyn Elementary through a longtime relationship with school administrators and faculty.

Bradley students exposed children to healthy living information, health-focused careers and college life through events such as a teddy bear clinic and Hilltop visits.

Christina Little ’16, of Bloomington, Illinois, said the college outreach provided valuable information to children who may need extra encouragement.

“It’s really important to teach a lot of primary prevention skills to a very vulnerable population,” Little said. “It’s the coolest thing. We’re able to show that we take care of basic things like brushing teeth ourselves. Hearing it from new people is sometimes better than hearing it from the people they hear it from all the time.”

These experiences were designed to be experiences that exposed students to the community and enabled them to practice their craft in unique settings.

“The nursing students learn about caring for diverse populations while they develop their teaching skills,” said Dr. Kelly Schwend, assistant professor of nursing. “The provide health education as they serve as role models for students.”

The experience challenged Bradley students to see the world in new ways. It also challenged them to find creative ways to connect with students.

“We’re encouraged to think outside the bubble with our presentations,” said Kelsey Sickal ’16, of Cary, Illinois. “While kids think of us as nurses and role models, we’re still used to seeing each other as students. That’s a good challenge to our creativity and understanding as role models.”