Student Profiles
Chris Abrons -- Alumnus
I have worked
in the nursing profession for most of my life. At the present time, I
am employed by the American Red Cross as a Health and Safety Instructor.
I am married and the mother of two daughters. This has been a transitional
year for me. I turned fifty and sent my daughters to college. Some individuals
find this time of their lives very disturbing. I find it full of expectations
and opportunities.
I would describe myself as a life-long learner. Several times I have returned
to the classroom to continue my education. I began this process in a vocational
school for practical nurses. After several years of working as an LPN,
I entered a career ladder program designed to transition nurses from the
LPN to the RN level. I soon faced the demands of raising a young family,
but longed for the opportunity to continue my education. I was able to
enroll in a distance learning program at Saint Joseph's College in Maine
that led to my obtaining a BS degree in Health Care Administration. The
completion of this program took many years because of family and work
responsibilities. To this point, my education has been primarily in the
medical field. I feel the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program at
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington would satisfy my passionate
commitment to life-long learning and expand my knowledge in areas other
than nursing.
I have always had an interest in cultural diversity and the MALS program
would clearly provide me with the opportunity to explore world cultures
in such courses as "Culture Wars and the Origin of Difference," "Shamanism,"
"The Historical Geography of Food," "The Black Intellectual Tradition,"
and Religion and Sex." I also realize there is no better place to study
than in a classroom with highly motivated adult learners since each student
brings a unique personal history and experience into the mix.
Besides working for the Red Cross, I am involved with several service
organizations in the local community. Given the humanistic orientation
of its curriculum, its emphasis upon cultural diversity, and its multidisciplinary
approach to problem solving, I feel that my experience in the MALS program
would greatly enhance my involvement in such groups. Finally, I feel the
MALS program would provide an inviting stimulus for personal growth and
self-enrichment as well as the opportunity to explore and research social,
environmental, and cultural issues of personal interest.
Last Update: February 12, 2008
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