They didn’t just graduate; they did it together. As Jennie Cipriano, Beth Zirkle, Becca Johnson, and Emily Perry near the finish line of their Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees at Case Western Reserve University, they reflect on more than just academic challenges. They cherish the friendships that blossomed along the way.
Starting this program could have been overwhelming, especially for students coming from different parts of the country. At their first intensive session, Zirkle, Johnson, and Cipriano were all newcomers, facing the unknown together. Cipriano, who teaches at Florida Southern College, remembers feeling anxious during that initial trip. Luckily, she quickly bonded with Zirkle and Johnson, both faculty members at Longwood University in Virginia. “I joke that they adopted me,” she laughs. Their friendship formed a supportive circle that made the tough days brighter.
Later, they welcomed Perry into their group. While sitting next to Cipriano in class, Perry playfully declared they would be friends. From then on, they shared late-night texts, early-morning study sessions, and countless laughs. Their camaraderie helped them tackle the program’s challenges together.
Each woman had her own reason for joining the DNP program. Johnson, always passionate about nursing, felt driven to teach. Zirkle and Cipriano wanted to influence future generations of nurses. Perry, who teaches both in the clinic and the classroom, saw the program as an extension of her commitment to education. “The best way to learn is to teach,” she notes, emphasizing the lifelong learning aspect of her journey.
Case Western Reserve’s flexible program structure was perfect for these busy professionals. It combines online classes with in-person intensives, allowing them to continue working while pursuing their education. They traveled to Cleveland for intensive sessions three times a year, balancing demanding schedules. But the journey wasn’t without its stress.
“The first intensive was incredibly overwhelming,” Zirkle admitted. Having a supportive group made all the difference. Cipriano described their shared environment as a “psychologically safe space” where no question was too silly, and everyone encouraged each other.
Beyond academics, they treasured normalcy during intense weeks. They often stayed together at Airbnbs, cooked meals, and built traditions like visiting Hofbräuhaus for fun. Small shared moments, like a snowy grocery store trip that ended with “about 40 pounds of chocolate,” added joy to their experience. “Having friends made everything easier,” Johnson said, highlighting the importance of social bonds in tough times.
Milestones like project defenses were significant, but their friendships meant even more. Perry, providing tech support before defenses, exemplified their strong support system. Their experiences solidify the lesson that connecting with others enhances the journey.
Cipriano offers valuable advice: “Don’t isolate. Connect with people, even if you’re introverted.” Zirkle’s similarly simple mantra? “Find your person.”
In their case, they found three. As graduation approaches, the friends are excitedly planning a group vacation, proving that while the program was rigorous, the relationships they built made it unforgettable.
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