Maddy Brunson
Maddy Brunson is a rising third year student seeking a BSN degree in the School of Nursing. She has a deep interest in psychiatric nursing and addiction medicine, and is excited to explore research and opportunities in this field. On campus, she is involved in club women’s lacrosse, is a writer for 34th Street Magazine, co-hosts a radio show, and is a freshman residential advisor. She is from Dallas, Texas where her mom, dad, and brother currently reside. In her free time, she enjoys working out, trying new food places, and writing.
The cohort of students in my class is extremely diverse. They are diverse in race, religion, gender, nationality, opinion, and personal experience. Getting to work and collaborate with students who have unique backgrounds contributes to my overall nursing education and growth as a person. I learn something new about the world and people everyday that I am here.
What's your favorite place to eat on campus or in the city?
Asad’s Hot Chicken
What's your favorite non-required or elective class?
Cooking with Words with Gabrielle Hamilton
What's your favorite Penn perk (e.g. access to museum, ICA, athletics, Arboretum, etc)?
Getting to visit the ICA whenever I want
What's your favorite place on campus?
Quadrangle courtyards
What's your favorite Penn activity / hobby outside of class (e.g. on-campus groups, clubs, athletics, volunteering, etc)?
Writing for 34th Street magazine
The most memorable moment I've had at Penn Nursing so far is...?
My most memorable moment so far is seeing a c-section for the first time. I was rushed into the room dressed in PPE and got to watch the operation from beginning to end. Eventually, the baby was taken out and everyone started cheering and clapping. The father in the operating room started to cry and I suddenly felt overwhelmed with joy and started tearing up myself. It was a beautiful moment and made me feel honored to get to participate in such a special event in the patient’s life.
Is there anything that you wish you knew before coming to Penn?
I wish I knew how much professors and preceptors want you to succeed. Walking in, I was scared that I was going to be asked to do everything myself since I was going to an Ivy League school. Instead, I have been met with nothing but care and consideration from the professors throughout my education. They truly want the best for you and are happy to see you accomplish your goals.
What is something that you really like about your program of study?
I really enjoy how quickly you are hands-on in class. Within the first year, you are in skills labs and even have a small clinical experience. This is extremely valuable as hands-on teaching is essential to becoming a good nurse. Labs and skills directly connect to what you are learning in lecture, so you begin to integrate your knowledge of anatomy with your nursing skills with ease. You start feel like all of your hard work is paying off in real time by performing procedures and skills early on in your education.
What's your favorite thing about your cohort and/or the community at Penn?
The cohort of students in my class is extremely diverse. They are diverse in race, religion, gender, nationality, opinion, and personal experience. Getting to work and collaborate with students who have unique backgrounds contributes to my nursing education and growth as a person as a whole. I learn something new about the world and people everyday that I am here.
What or who has inspired you the most while pursuing your degree, and why?
I am inspired by my family. Most of my life, I have been surrounded by expert healthcare workers who have shown me the beauty of getting to care for others. I have also been guided to nursing through family members who struggle with mental health issues. When I am feeling discouraged or frustrated, I am reminded of my family who have fought for others and themselves to heal. This combination of experiences encourages me to pursue my degree with compassion, grace, and diligence.
