My name is Libby Weixel and I am 19-years-old. I am from Rocky River, which is a small suburb on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. I have four other siblings and a dog named Penelope Jane. Ohio State is the perfect fit for me because it is close enough to home to where I can visit frequently! One fun fact about me is that my mom is also in nursing school right now. She is doing an accelerated program at Baldwin Wallace University. Although we started school at the same time, she will be done almost 2 years before me. It is very interesting to compare our classes and to have each other to practice skills on. Without my mom deciding to become a nurse, I probably would not be in nursing school.
I am excited for this semester as I will finally get to be able to spend time in the hospital. I love interacting with people, and I can’t wait to meet all of the patients and their families. Throughout this past summer, I worked as a caregiver for the elderly. I worked 12-hour shifts, while although tiring, will help prepare me for the long shifts I will eventually work as a nurse. This summer job was a great way for me to become acquainted with skills and issues that I will probably face in the clinical setting. Nursing is an appealing profession to me because there are many different pathways to take. I am sure that the hours I will spend in clinical over the next couple years will help me realize what type of nursing specialty I would like to pursue. At the moment, I am interested in pediatrics, but that could certainly change. After graduating in 2022, I hope to work as an RN for a couple years before going off to graduate school. I would love to go to CRNA school or NP school after I have a couple years of nursing under my belt.
Outside of nursing, I like to keep myself busy with outdoor activities. I love living on Lake Erie, and I spend most of my days in the summer doing activities that revolve around water. Throughout high school, I sailed on a junior race team at my local yacht club. I also sailed for my school sailing team during the fall and spring. Sailing is one of my favorite things to do in the summer because it is something I know I can participate in for the rest of my life. Along with sailing, I also love to kayak and paddle-board. Pretty much any floating device on the water will make me happy! This past summer I learned how to waterski. Although I am not very good at it, I am looking forward to the next summer so I can refine my skills. Sadly, it is winter now so I cannot participate in any lake activities. Throughout the winter, I do enjoy tubing and skiing with my friends. As a new skier, I am hoping to get to practice more this winter so I don’t fall as much. I am looking forward to going skiing soon, if the weather ever cooperates!