My Journey: Why I Am Deciding to Move to the Boston area

My college journey began at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. It was right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and everything felt uncertain and chaotic. The world was changing, and so was I. Everything was shifting to online, there seemed to be no more human interaction, and I was nervous and scared for the future. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do or what field I wanted to be in Florida was just not what I thought it would be. I realized that it was probably the best option to be close to home, so I transferred to UMass Amherst. It seemed like a good option—it was closer to family—but the environment just didn’t feel right. The cost of tuition was high, and I still wasn’t sure what I truly wanted to do. I felt stuck and unsure of my direction.

After some soul-searching haha, I transferred again, this time to MassBay Community College. I decided to pursue Licensed Practical Nursing, even though I didn’t know for sure if nursing was my ultimate path. The program was affordable, close to home, and it offered me the opportunity to get into the medical field without spending years in school. As I went through the program, I realized that, while I loved being able to help others, I didn’t want to carry the level of responsibility that came with being a nurse, especially when it came to patient safety. The weight of that responsibility felt overwhelming for me. Even though I don’t feel entirely fulfilled in my nursing career, I am gaining valuable experience and learning more about the medical field every day. I currently work as a staff nurse at a rehabilitation and long-term care facility. I spent a lot of time feeling lost during my college years, uncertain of where I was headed and what I truly wanted to do. But over time, I discovered something that felt like the right fit for me: general ultrasound studies. I realized that this is the field where I can make a difference, helping people without the high-stress responsibilities that come with nursing.

So, I’ve decided that it’s time to take the next step—and that next step starts in Boston. The city offers so many opportunities for education and growth, and I know it’s the perfect place to continue my studies in ultrasound. There are only three accredited Ultrasound programs in Massachusetts. One in Springfield, two in Boston and why would I ever move back to Springfield after finally fleeing in 08’. I'm in my early 20’s and I think it is one of the best times if you're able to get out of your old city and try a new one. Did I mention I'm doing this with one of my closest friends? It’s not just a career change—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, one where I can truly see myself growing both personally and professionally. I’m excited to finally have a clear sense of where I want my life to go. Moving to Boston isn’t just about changing schools—it’s about finding my purpose and pursuing a career where I can help people while also feeling confident and comfortable in my role. And while my journey hasn’t always been easy, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for the future ahead.