Amber Spector
"Norwich University gave me the opportunity to make my dreams come true. Thank you!"
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I grew up on Long Island, New York, and later moved to Vermont during high school. After returning to New York for nursing prerequisites, I was accepted into the Norwich BSN program in 2020 and graduated in 2023. I am currently working as an ICU nurse. I got married last summer, and my 6-year-old son has been my biggest cheerleader throughout my time at Norwich. I am also expecting my second son, due in July. Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with family, building Legos, being outdoors, and making the most of simple moments together. As I complete my master's degree, I am deeply grateful for the support system that carried me through every challenge."
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "I began my healthcare career as a licensed nursing assistant in 2015, and it was during that time that I realized I was truly meant to be a nurse. From early on, I aspired to become a nurse practitioner, and I worked steadily toward that goal by taking one to two prerequisite classes at a time while working full-time in an emergency room in New York. During this period, I also became a mother to my first son, which further motivated me to continue pursuing my dreams.
I was accepted into nursing programs in both New York and Vermont, ultimately choosing Vermont because I believed it would provide the best environment to raise my son. I was determined to show him the importance of following your dreams, no matter how challenging the path may be. Along the way, I became the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and now, a master’s degree.
There have been many challenges throughout this journey, but I remained committed to my passion for nursing and my goal of advancing my career. Today, I am proud to be graduating as a Family Nurse Practitioner and look forward to serving my community as a provider. I genuinely love what I do and believe this has always been my calling."
Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "Everything I learned in the FNP program has helped shape me into the provider I am becoming. Through clinical hours in primary care, pediatrics, and reproductive health, I gained hands-on experience that reinforced my classroom knowledge. The program gave me a realistic understanding of what it means to be a Family Nurse Practitioner, demanding, adaptable, and deeply committed to patient care. It also reinforced that learning never ends in this profession. Earning this degree has strengthened my confidence and solidified my direction as a future provider."
Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "What will stay with me most is a simple mindset: just try. The first step toward any goal is the courage to try, and I will carry that throughout my career. My advice to prospective students is to come in ready to work hard and to make sure you have a strong support system in place. It will not always be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it. I know how much it took to get here, and not giving up is what made it possible."
Q: "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?"
A: "Norwich University gave me the opportunity to make my dreams come true. Thank you!"
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I chose Norwich University Online because it offered the flexibility I needed to balance my education with my responsibilities as a mother and a working nurse. The program allowed me to plan coursework around my schedule and family life. One of the most valuable aspects was the ability to adapt when life became challenging. I was able to take a semester off when necessary, without losing sight of my goals. The flexibility and accessibility of the online format made it possible for me to stay committed while being present for my son."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "Before starting, I expected the program to be challenging and demanding, and that proved true. Throughout the experience, I came to appreciate that becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner is a lifelong journey of learning. The program pushed me to grow academically, personally, and professionally, strengthening my critical thinking, resilience, and dedication to patient care. What stood out most was the emphasis on continuous growth, not just completing coursework but evolving as a provider long after graduation."
