Liz Dumas is a rising senior on the Fairfield University Women's Soccer team and is also enrolled in the University's Egan School of Nursing. Dumas describes how she started on her journey into the nursing field and how the Covid-19 pandemic has shaped her motivation for the field

Ever since I was a little girl, I've always loved soccer. I took pride in my identity as a soccer player. My goal was always to play in college. Then high school came around and that was still the goal, but then arose the question, what would I want to study in college? Furthermore, what do I want to do for the rest of my life? 
           
When I was young, I had a handful of baby dolls that I used to take "care" of. I would pretend to feed them, change their diapers, and put them down for naps with every towel and blanket in the house creating makeshift beds. I always liked taking care of others whether it was my baby dolls or when my classmate scraped a knee on the playground.

When I was sixteen, I volunteered at an adaptive sports camp for kids with disabilities. These kids had a wide range of physical challenges and medical needs. I loved every second working with these kids, thus inspiring me to pursue nursing. Fairfield University was the school that gave me the opportunity to play soccer, my first love, and begin a career of caring for others.



Little did I know the challenges I would face ahead, or how soccer would prepare me for my next goal. Playing soccer is all about playing on a team and achieving a common goal. Additionally, this goes for nursing as you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Throughout my clinicals, as I have watched the nurses interact with the doctors, respiratory therapists, physical therapists and nursing assistants, I know I have found another team to be a part of.

When the pandemic started and I was sent home from school, I started as a nursing assistant at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital in Boston. This opportunity during all this craziness going on the world, has oddly felt so right. I have found a passion for pediatric nursing.

This pandemic has brought a new meaning to the Fairfield promise that Stags are built for life. With the devastating news of the soccer season being cancelled this fall, I have found comfort and excitement by embracing the next chapter of my life.

- Liz Dumas '21