By Ellena Sweet | Campus News Editor
Transfer student Kelly Lima joined the Salve community this fall. At the age of 30-years-old, she is returning to school as a nursing major.
Lima has always had a passion for nursing. She began working in a hospital shortly after graduating high school and has been employed within the field ever since.
She previously attended Bristol Community College in Fall River, Massachusetts. Originally enrolled in the nursing program at BCC, Lima transitioned to the Health Science major after the birth of her daughter, Sophia.
In 2010, she graduated with her associate’s degree.
During the 4 years that she was out of school, Lima worked at a local hospital. It was in an effort to further her education and support her daughter that she made the decision to return to school.
Many of Lima’s friends and coworkers attended Salve Regina University. It was in light of their high recommendations that she decided to apply to the school.
After her first week at Salve, Lima has nothing but great things to say about the school. She describes the students and faculty as helpful and entirely welcoming.
When asked what she has enjoyed most about Salve Regina, Lima explained “Just the opportunity to come here and learn. It’s just great cause you don’t get that opportunity a lot in your life.”
Lima’s daughter Sophia is a fan of the University, as well. In expressing her thoughts regarding her mom attending Salve, Sophia described herself as very happy and excited for her mom to finish.
Lima cites Sophia as her main influence in continuing her education. She hopes to serve as a good role model for her daughter and give her a positive outlook on learning.
According to Lima, the best part about returning to school has been the knowledge that she will finally have her bachelor’s degree. Concurrently, the hardest part has been devoting her time to studying, as she has found balancing her personal obligations with her academics to be trying.
Still, when asked what she might have to say to anybody who’s thinking of returning to school, Lima stated that she wouldn’t hesitate in encouraging them to do so. In Lima’s own words: “I feel like education is power. You know, it will help you out in the long run. Even though it may seem hard, it will.”
