Reflection
My journey from math/statistics to nursing has been transformative, driven by reflection and shaped by the challenges of the pandemic.
In 2019, I started as a first-year math student at the University of Waterloo. I excelled in math and computer science during high school, where many peers struggled, which fueled my confidence. At the time, I didn’t think much about career prospects, but I did consider switching to computer science because my mom and society were enthusiastic about tech, but my decisions were driven more by external validation than genuine interest.
The pandemic hit in March 2020, and everything unraveled. With in-person classes canceled and passing grades guaranteed, I lost all motivation. I binged all 70+ episodes of “Game of Thrones” in three days, realizing how much I relied on the in-person environment for discipline. The next term, I took a term off, spending my time playing video games and experimenting with cooking. The motivation is just very low.
When university moved online until 2022, I struggled academically. Before the pandemic, I maintained an 85% average, but my grades plummeted. During the pandemic, my health deteriorated significantly. I reached a record high of 300 pounds, which left me constantly fatigued and unable to focus on my studies. On top of this, I faced severe social isolation, compounding the challenges I was already experiencing. (Elish et al.). I failed critical courses, couldn’t qualify for co-op, and ended up in statistics despite failing the mandatory second-year course because no better options are available. Some relatives suggested transferring schools, but I was so overwhelmed that I felt stuck. Looking back, I believe I needed to drop out of school and reassess my path rather than push through. Sticking with something, hoping it will improve, didn’t work for me. However, nobody in the family including myself could make that difficult call.
After graduating, I felt numb and unprepared to compete with peers who had co-op experience or more practical degrees. While I could blame the pandemic, the deeper issue was my initial motivation and how the education system encourages persistence over reflection. I believe universities should help students identify when they’re on the wrong path, rather than sugarcoating the experience to keep them enrolled.
Now, transitioning to nursing, I’ve found a field that aligns with my values and purpose. It’s a fresh start, informed by hard lessons and a newfound self-awareness. I’m motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully and connect with others in ways I never experienced in my previous academic journey.
Returning to school after a year has not been easy. I’ve experienced significant stress and often struggle with severe procrastination, delaying tasks until their deadlines because I want to avoid the overwhelming pressure. This stress sometimes leads to racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating (Booth). Additionally, I occasionally experience imposter syndrome. Many students in compressed nursing programs have backgrounds in health sciences, biology, or related fields, especially some of them are RPNs that have years of nursing experience, while I come from a math and statistics background. This difference sometimes makes me feel insecure and hesitant to interact with my classmates, fearing they might judge or underestimate me (Kovach).
In conclusion, my journey from math and statistics to nursing has been one of profound transformation and self-discovery. The challenges I faced during the pandemic—academic struggles, deteriorating health, and social isolation—forced me to confront my motivations and reassess my goals. While my initial path was shaped by external validation and societal expectations, I’ve come to understand the importance of aligning my choices with my values and passions. Transitioning to nursing has been both challenging and rewarding, as I navigate feelings of stress, procrastination, and imposter syndrome. However, these experiences have deepened my resilience and commitment to meaningful work. Today, I am motivated not by external rewards but by the desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, fully embracing this new chapter with a renewed sense of purpose.