Passion, community and involvement have shaped my UC experience

By: Jordyn Bailey, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '26; Nursing Student Ambassador

As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing freshman admitted to the University of Cincinnati Honors Program (UHP), I was required to take an introductory seminar during my first semester. I vividly recall rushing to Swift Hall after my anatomy and physiology lecture for that first class. The back rows were mostly filled, so I settled into an aisle seat in the front row. I was a bit nervous, but excited to step outside the intense nursing curriculum and experience a change of pace. That initial class largely focused on housekeeping details—syllabus highlights, expectations, deadlines—but as we wrapped up, our professor shared a striking anecdote that concluded with this thought: “If, after 4-5 years of college, all you have to show for it is a transcript, you’ve done it wrong.”

I am a Cincinnatus Presidential Scholar, Darwin T. Turner Scholar and Area Health Education Center Scholar. Currently, I serve as co-president of the United Black Student Association, whose mission centers around advocating, empowering and unifying Black students. I am a proud member of two prestigious women’s honoraries—The Lambda Society and CWEST—and mentor first-year students through both the AACRC Transitions Program and the College of Nursing iLead Program. I spearhead health literacy efforts at the St. Vincent DePaul Neyer Outreach Center as a UC Open School leader. I also serve as an ambassador for the College of Nursing and Turner Scholars Program, as well as the Community Outreach Director for AMBITION, a student organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented populations in the College of Nursing.

Beyond these leadership roles, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the Office of the President and representing UC at national conferences. My work has earned recognition through numerous awards, which acknowledge my contributions to the University and Greater Cincinnati community. Alongside these experiences and accolades, I maintain a strong academic record as a consistent Dean’s List honoree, work as a Patient Care Assistant and as a student employee in the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life. Through these diverse experiences, I’ve gained invaluable insights into collaborative leadership, community engagement and impactful service.

As I reflect on my own journey, I urge younger students to seize every opportunity to get involved and pursue their passions with intention and purpose. Echoing the advice of that UHP advisor from three years ago, college is more than just earning a degree—it’s exploring, being challenged, embracing community and growing in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether through student organizations, mentorship, entrepreneurial ventures, or community engagement, the experiences you seek out will enrich not only your academic path, but your personal development as well. As you continue thrive and shine, you will illuminate a path for future Bearcats to follow.

Your time is now! UC offers countless avenues to create a meaningful, transformative undergraduate experience—one that elevates, empowers and inspires. Embrace these opportunities, and allow yourself to fully realize your potential, and then some!