Coming home to Villanova

Meet Mary from Rhode Island

Junior nursing student Mary Monagle from East Providence, Rhode Island has Villanova in her blood: both of her parents are Villanova graduates (Class of 1987) and she has been to Villanova’s campus more times than she can count. When it came time for her to make her own college decision, Mary was a little hesitant about attending her parent’s alma mater, but that quickly dissipated when she entered Driscoll Hall for the first time. Mary recalls, “I walked in and was instantly amazed. It was summer, so there were very few people around, but my mom and I walked downstairs, and there was a faculty member who offered to let me see inside one of the simulation labs. I walked in, and it just hit me. Nursing suddenly seemed like the perfect fit for me.”

As a sophomore, Mary has found herself thriving, noting “I am constantly reassured that I made the right decision in wanting to be a Villanova nurse.” She is active as an Ambassador for the College of Nursing and regularly speaks with prospective students and families, sharing her Villanova experiences. Mary also served as an Orientation Counselor to twenty-two new freshman students this fall, helping ease their transition into college life and the Villanova campus. As an active member of Nursing Without Borders, Campus Ministry and participating in Service and Justice Experience trips, Mary has found many venues to give back to the Villanova community and help others while in pursuit of her nursing degree. She is a part of Villanova’s Leadership Learning Community, and served as a Facilitator for the first time this year, as well as a Local Program Host and Volunteer Coordinator for the Special Olympics on campus. In her spare time, Mary is a regular competitor in various intramural sports, and plays on the Villanova Club Basketball Team.

Mary had the opportunity to volunteer at the Wheeler Summer Camp in Seekonk, Mass. the past two summers as the camp nurse, allowing her a glimpse of the administrative side of nursing while filing the camper’s medical paperwork in an organized fashion to keep everyone safe. She also volunteered at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, on the pediatric oncology floor in the playroom, which sparked her interest in becoming a pediatric oncology nurse one day. Mary explains, “I can definitely see myself working with kids, and I believe that the field of pediatric oncology allows me to interact heavily with both children, and their families during a very challenging time. To be able to have that impact on patients is truly a dream of mine!” Mary comes from a large family, and draws inspiration from her aunt, who is an RN. She says, “She plays a major role in our lives, and I hope to one day be that resource and able to provide nursing insight to my family and friends that my aunt so graciously and willingly offers to my family.”