CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2020 - 23

G R A D U AT I O N

Triple Threat

A triple scholarship winner and first-generation college

student, Chelsea Triolo advises students to go for the scholarship. "The money

GET

has been extremely helpful in managing my debt," said Triolo of CU Nursing's

accelerated program (UCAN). "I have learned so much and had some pretty

KNOW

fun experiences in applying for these awards. A lot of them are very creative

Chelsea
Triolo

and require us to do some soul searching." Triolo frequently channels her
creativity, including through art. In fact, she designed a logo and T-shirt for the
LOONS - the League of Older Nursing Students.

Colorado
Daredevil Set
to Graduate
By Dana Brandorff

"I grew up racing mountain bikes and cross country Nordic
skiing in Eagle," said Clare Baker. The two sports took their
toll on Baker's body.
After suffering from concussions, broken ribs, and through
hip surgery, Baker spent a fair amount of time in the hospital,
where she met "the most incredible nurses who cared for me."
Baker recalled, "They inspired me to pursue nursing because
I hope to one day have an impact on patients like they did
on me. Helping them feel less afraid and more comfortable."

Having grown up in the mountains, Baker has lost friends
to the elements. Because of that, "I wanted to learn how to
save people who enjoy being outdoors and in the mountains as much as I do." Before CU Nursing, Baker earned a
degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Subsequently,
she became a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician.
Post-graduation, Baker intends to become a flight nurse,
where she will assist in search and rescue operations
throughout Colorado. A perfect job for an outdoor-loving
adventurer.

NURSING FITS
G R A D U AT E ' S
C A R I N G N AT U R E
By Debra Melani

On Dec. 14, when Gurpreet Cheema accepted his nursing diploma on
the stage in the Colorado Convention Center, it was his second major
life-changing ceremony this year.
"It was a big day," he said, recalling his naturalization ceremony this
past Sept. 11, 2019, when he became a U.S. citizen. "It was important,
because I can stay with my wife forever, I can work, and I can dream of a
good future for my kids."
Cheema joined his wife in Colorado, with a pharmacy education from
India, a food science education from Canada, and a strong interest in
medicine. But he wanted a more interactive profession, he said.
Again, his wife - who moved from India with her family to the Mile High
state when she was young - influenced his next move. She suggested
nursing as a way to nurture his caring nature.
Cheema found working with the Colfax Community Network, which
supports some of Aurora's most underserved children, a memorable
part of his education.
The afterschool program, which includes many kids living in Colfax
motels not far from campus, involved reading, providing nutritional food
and spending quality time with the children, Cheema said. "It makes
you feel really happy from the inside."

CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2020

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