Olivia Lawlor
Olivia Lawlor
Class Year
’23
Hometown
Rockford, IL
Major(s)
Nursing
Career goal
“After graduation, I will be starting my dream job at UW Children’s hospital in the Pediatric Oncology Unit.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“The faculty helped me tremendously. Their office doors are always open for any questions I have or even when I just want to chat and hang out. They gave me so many resources to make the tough content easier to comprehend.”
Favorite class
“I really enjoyed my Pathophysiology class taught by Professor Cheryl Petersen and my Advanced Med Surg class taught by Professor Swambar. Both of these professors made learning fun and understandable.”
Toughest class
“Pharmacology was definitely my hardest. I had to learn so many drugs names and classes in such little time. This class definitely pushed me to my limits and made me a stronger student and future nurse.”
Internships or on-campus employment
“I was a nurse extern at UW hospital on a med surg floor. I got to practice so many skills with various patients with complex health needs. I got to apply what I learned in class and apply it to real-life situations. The whole experience was extremely rewarding. I also got the opportunity to work in the dean’s office and the operations office. Working in these departments helped me develop my communication skills, which I will take with me wherever I go.”
Favorite spot on campus
“I love sitting by the lake in the iconic red chairs on a nice sunny day. It is so nice to go out to sit and read a book or study while listening to the crashing of the waves.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“I think 8-year-old me (who wanted to be a bus driver) would be surprised but proud of me for pushing myself to get where I am today. 8- year-old Olivia wanted to work with kids just as badly as I do now. I can’t wait to get into the workforce and have a positive impact on my patients and their parents.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“All of the professors and clinical instructors are amazing. Every single one has impacted my nursing practice for the better. The faculty are always there for you with any questions or concerns. I definitely recommend going to them for whatever you need at any time.”
Why Carthage?
“First was the amazing views, then was the small class sizes. I knew I always wanted to go to a smaller school and study nursing; thankfully, Carthage offered me both.”