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Hello Class,

So glad to be learning with you this semester!

I thought I would more formally introduce myself to you. I have been a nurse for many years and have loved almost every position I ever had.I grew up in a very small town in Ohio as an “oops” baby. My brothers are 11 and 10 years older than me. I am the first college graduate in our immediate family. I graduated with a diploma in nursing from the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne,IN. I met my husband on the very first day of nursing school. I was scared to death of this man from the big city who kept asking me out. I finally said yes, and the rest is history!

I worked CV ICU as a new grad and after the birth of our son, I went into office nursing in a critical care/pulmonologists’ office.

My husband went on a mission trip toJamaicaand came home and wanted to go into full time missions. I laughed and said no way. The next year, and a baby girl later, I went on the mission trip and experienced the same desire for full time mission work. So with a 3 year old and an 18 month in tow we left forSierra Leone,West Africawhere my husband was in charge of community construction projects and I had a community health clinic in the heart of the bush. After being in the bush for 2 years, a war broke out (AKA like the movie Blood Diamond) and we were evacuated to theUSA.

Our next assignment took us to Quito,Ecuador via 1 year of language school in McAllen,TX. We were in Ecuador7 years with our children doing the same type of work. Once our kids were in High School, we moved back to the USA to acclimate them back to their home culture and get them ready for college.

While we were in Ecuador, I began an online RN-BSN program at the University of Saint Francisi n Fort Wayne, IN. SO, I am very familiar with online learning and it CAN be done even when there are obstacles! Once back in the USA I finished my BSN and went on to complete a MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner at the same University of Saint Francis. I also began teaching clinicals and eventually became full time faculty in community health.

I applied to a PhD program at Duquesne University as a capstone project for my MSN program and was SHOCKED when I was accepted. I defended my dissertation April 2010. I conducted a research study in rural Ecuador and LOVED doing research.

When both children were in college, we began looking for a warmer climate and I was offered a position at USC-Upstate teaching Community Health clinical and Nursing Research. I love both! I also work one day a week (Tuesdays) at Re Genesis Healthcare a community health center in Spartanburg.

Currently, our oldest, Ryan is a student at USC Upstate in pre med. He has been on the education highway but seems to be falling in well now. Our daughter, Kyla, graduated in 3 years from George Washington University in DC and now worked in DC with an international trade/commodity exchange company and is now in back home with us as she pursues her Master’s degree.

We (my husband, Ryan, and me) currently live outside of Inman in a rural home with 2 lab puppies (Arnie (black male) and Jack (ie) (yellow female) who are 1 year old. My son and I are rabid about golf and are members at Village Greens and RiverFalls. We play every opportunity we get. My husband is looking for a job with a non-profit but for now is working at Lowe’s in Greer.

My current research is looking at barriers for older men in utilizing preventative health care. I am working on a pilot study now and would like to do a full study next fall. My second research project is exploring the role of the nurse in rural Ecuador. We are so used to nursing being a much respected profession. In Ecuador it is very much the opposite and I want to explore that more.

I took community health students to Ecuador the last two summers and also to South Africa this past May. All of these trips have been focused on Community Health and have been wonderful experiences for all! Planning South Africa for June 2012 and Ecuador July 2012 if you are interested in going!

All of this being said, what do you as students need to know about me: I love learning and teaching. I am deeply curious and inquisitive. I am not detail oriented (one of my many my faults) but want students to see the big picture of how nursing research impacts your practice and learn to embrace it not fear it. One of my goals is that you become a nurse who utilizes nursing research and are able to understand what you are reading and how it impacts your practice.

My name is Ngozi Carroll and I'm from San Jose California.

I'm a full time student, mother and a wife.

My phone number is 408-396-2882  begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 408-396-2882  end_of_the_skype_highlighting    begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 408-396-2882   end_of_the_skype_highlighting   begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 408-396-2882 <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

My nursing goal is to first graduate and become an RN.

My educational goal is to become a nurse practitioner and join in researching program to find a cure for sickle cell.

My husband works at Michelin (Marc) as an Engr. He is the reason our relocated from California to Greenville due to his transfer.

We have a 7yr. old who is currently in 2nd grade and another one on the way due at the end of this month.

I grew up traveling and living in different countries and learning about other cultures because my father was a diplomat. I enjoyed and appreciated it.

Nursing is my second career and I choose it because I want to make a differences in some countries I've lived in.

My name is Gigi Lattimore. I graduated with my ADN in 1983 and have worked in Women's Health in one aspect or another for my entire career. I became certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and became the infertility coordinator in a private OB/GYN practice in 1990. In 2009 after the practice merged with a hospital conglomerate, the decision was made to eliminate infertility services and I was left without a job (or one I was interested in). After a year of soul searching and job hunting, I realized that I was not going to find another nursing position with the autonomy I was accustomed to unless I returned to school. So, after several months of updating classes (I had never taken a computer course or speech) I returned to school. I have been challenged in ways I did not know were possible. I have developed other interests in nursing and realize that the health care industry is changing and nurses with advanced degrees will be a large part of the solution to the current health care crisis. II guess it really is true that that when one door closes, another one opens. I am married to an OB/GYN physician. I have three daughters and three step-daughters. Together we have 3 grandchildren under the age of five. My husband and I love to travel. Originally, I thought I would continue with my education and get a nurse practitioner's degree in Women's Health (which is what my husband thinks I should do). I am keeping an open mind and want to see what develops with this final semester. I can be reached at <span class="skype_pnh_print_container"><span class="skype_pnh_print_container">864-430-5899 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-430-5899  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting   <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-430-5899   <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting  or <span class="skype_pnh_print_container"><span class="skype_pnh_print_container">864-409-0296 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-409-0296   <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting   <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-409-0296   <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting. I live in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. Gigi, Perfect post and I LOVE the picture!!!!! Looking forward to learning research with you this semester!!! Dr. Moss

Hi, my name is Krista Burke. I live in Landrum, SC, and am a single mother to my 8 year old daughter, Katy, and my 9 year old son, Colin. They are my full time job right now! I am going back to school for my second BS degree after having been a stay at home Mom for close to 8 years. The best phone number to reach me at is <span class="skype_pnh_print_container"><span class="skype_pnh_print_container">864-517-0559 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-517-0559  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting   <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-517-0559   <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting. I was the primary caregiver to both of my parents in their struggles with cancer and throughout the Hospice process, which spurred me on to enter the nursing profession. I am planning to get an advanced degree, either as a nurse practitioner (possibly gerontology) or as a CRNA. This photo of the kids and I was taken on a trip to Bimini, Bahamas a couple years ago. Krista,

Welcome to the course! Beautiful children! Looking forward to learning with you!

Dr. Moss

My name is Lauren Dempsey.

I work with Livenation with promotions.

I work 8 hours a week on weekends.

I can be reached at <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">864-360-1468 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-360-1468  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

I would like to work in occupational health nursing.

I live with my mother and father. I have an older sister and a younger sister. My mother, older sister, younger sister, and myself are all currently in college at the same time.

I come from a long line of nurses and my grandmother was in the first graduating nursing class at Greenville tech.

I plan on continuing my education for my masters in nursing. I’m thinking about getting my masters in nursing informatics.

Lauren, Welcome to Research! When you get to Community, if I happen to be your instructor, we could work on a occ health community assignment for you! Love community!!!

Dr. Moss

Hello,

My name is Ngozi Carroll and I'm from San Jose California. I'm a full time student, mother and a wife. My phone number is <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">408-396-2882 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">408-396-2882  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting. My nursing goal is to first graduate and become an RN. My educational goal is to become a nurse practitioner and join in researching program to find a cure for sickle cell. My husband works at Michelin (Marc) as an Engr. He is the reason our relocated from California to Greenville due to his transfer. We have a 7yr. old who is currently in 2nd grade and another one on the way due at the end of this month. I grew up traveling and living in different countries and learning about other cultures because my father was a diplomat. I enjoyed and appreciated it. Nursing is my second career and I choose it because I want to make a differences in some countries I've lived in.

Ngozi, Welcome to the class. Keep us posted on your new arrival! Best of luck.

Dr. Moss

Hello, my name is Jeremy Lark. I am from Easley, South Carolina and i have lived there all my life. I have two older twin brothers and of course my mom and dad whom I still live with. My mom is a nurse and that was a large part of my motivation to enter the medical field. I have a girlfriend but I am not married and I don't have any children. I am 23 years old and I already a first bachelors degree from Anderson University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. I'm not exactly sure what type of nurse I want to be but I hae liked Med-surg 1 the most so far. I definitely don't want to be in OB-GYN or PEDS. I hope to go on and get either my nurse anesthetist degree or a DNP probably with a FNP. Currently I work at a nursing home in Easley called Majesty Health and Rehab and I have worked there for three years. I really enjoy helping the elderly as a CNA but i can't wait to be a nurse. My anytime phone number is <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">864-430-5823 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-430-5823  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Welcome, Jeremy! Lots of second generation nurses in this class. Great! Dr. Moss

My name is Shacola Jenkins, I am a 20y/o 1st semester senior nursing student of the Mary Black school of nursing, Spartanburg campus. I've been here at USC Upstate my entire college career and I've enjoyed every bit of it so far. I was born and raised in Beaufort, SC (The Lowcountry). I have two olders sisters, three olders brothers and two nephews, I am the "baby" of my immediate family. I am not married and have no kids, but I do have a boyfriend. I do not work while in school. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. I love nursing, even though it can be challenging at times. I plan to be agressive with my courses this semester and obviously learn a bit more. We all know nursing is forever changing and forever learning. I can be reached at <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">843-263-8693 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">843-263-8693  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting. I would like to focus my nursing career in pediatrics. I also plan to achieve my masters degree in Peds.

Shacola, Welcome! Love the Delta's and theur breast canceer golf tournament! Dr. Moss

My name is Zack Cooper and I am 21 years old. I am a first semester senior and so ready to graduate. I am from Union County and live out in the middle of nowhere. I live on a small farm and have chickens, turkeys, goats, guineas, and a donkey. I also have two blue heeler dogs. This summer I went to Ecuador on a nursing trip with the school. The trip was very eye opening and I made some unforgettable memories. I am not married and do not have any children. After graduation I plan on staying around home and working in an ICU for two years then going to CRNA school. My number is <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">864-251-3030 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">864-251-3030  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting. This picture was taken on Pichincha Mountain in Quito.

Zach, Great picture!!! You and Gigi and Celina in this class were all on summer nursing trips. Hope this influences your global thinking and perpective in this course. Love the photo! I could go for some of the Quito weather about right now!! Dr. Moss

My name is Dana Heatherly. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Jeff for almost four years. He is actually getting ready to take his retirement from law enforcement, however he is going to go back after he retires. (He's 13 1/2 years older than me.) It is with his support that I have been able to go back to school and finish my dream of becoming a nurse. I have no children of my own but I do have a 12 year old stepdaughter of whom I am very close to. She lives with us half of the time but is here everyday after school. I am 32 years old and work at Spartanburg Regional in CVRU. This is the Cardiovascular Recovery Unit therefore we receive all of the open heart surgeries. I work 2 nights a week on 3rd shift. Some many say yuck, but I love 3rd shift!! I have been working at the hospital for almost 13 years. I have worked on med-surg floors, peds floor and now in the heart unit which is my favorite!! I hope to continue to work there when I graduate. I would also like to eventually receive my master's in nursing education. I am also very interested in forensic nursing and a legal consultant. Probably the most interesting thing about me is I love to coupon!!! In fact a friend of mine and myself have begun to teach classes on couponing. I save my family around $400 a month in groceries. I do enjoy research so I am looking forward to this class this semester. This pic is a pic we had taken for Mother's Day this year for my mother. (Not sure why it ended up so big!)

Dana, Welcome to Research! Lots of CV research being done. A very interesting phenomena is how little we STILL do not know about women and CV disease. I coupon too must admit I am not a $400/mo saver. I get excited when I get $10 off the total. Keep us posted on your next class!!! I often leave a coupon I am not going to use on an item in the grocery store. Not sure if that is good ettiquette or not but maybe it will help someone else. Dr. Moss

Hello =]. My name is Detra Washington. I am 21 years young and I am from Sumter, SC. I am the daughter of two WONDERFUL parents, Willie and Dora Washington and I have 2 brothers and a sister. My father was in the military so my family and I moved around a lot. I am currently not working. When I graduate I would love to work in the ER or the OR. My educational goals are to make ALL A's this semester, so we'll see how that goes =]. I can't wait to graduate, because this has been a long journey, but a fun filled one. My # is <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">803-477-0263 <span class="skype_pnh_container"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common"><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">803-477-0263  <span class="skype_pnh_mark">end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Detra, Welcome!!! Look forward to learning with you!! Have not been to Sumter yet, but would love to visit for the historical sites. Dr. Moss



Hello. My name is Samantha Torongea. I am 21 years old and I live in a small town called Due West, SC. I was born in Raleigh, NC and lived there up until I was 12. I moved to South Carolina about 10 years ago. I have 3 younger brothers and a younger sister. My sister and youngest brother lives in North Carolina with my extended family while my other 2 brothers live in South Carolina with my parents and I. I have family living all over the US so I don't get to see them as often as I would like. I am a family-oriented kind of person. My favorite thing is to hang out with my family and friends. I work in the University Writing Center on campus and I am hoping to work about 9 or 10 hours a week. After last semester I have decided I wanted to be in the OR or labor and delivery. I am trying to work hard to try and get through these last few semesters so I can be a step closer in being an RN. My goal in this class is to get through it to be a step closer to graduating and to better understand how research is used through nursing. My number is 864-622-9049 and I can be reached through text or calls. My email is torongea@email.uscupstate.edu.

Samantha, Welcome to the class! Your work in the writing center will benefit this you in this class!

Dr. Moss



Hello everyone! My name Onie Hit. (First name pronounced OH-NEE). I am 20 turning 21 the 31st of August. I moved about 5 years to Inman, South Carolina from Boston, Massachusetts. It was a huge culture shock, but I have learned to call it "home." I am the oldest of three girls. I work about 15 hours every week as a sales associate at WestGate Mall. I hope to get out of this course not only an "A" and a better understanding of nursing research, but nursing in general and a big step closer in graduating and becoming an RN. I love the elderly, and as of last semester, labor and delivery and the surgical field have sparked my interests and opened my eyes to other fields in nursing! Although I am not sure where I'll end up after I graduate, I know that the nursing field is so diverse and that is one of things I love about it. Along with trying to finish up these last two semesters, I am also in the process of researching graduate schools. I am not sure where I want to go, or where I want to be in the country, but that is the best part about it. I recently spent over a month in Cambodia visiting family. It was my first time there, and hopefully not my last! The trip was expensive, but worth every penny. Online classes are not my strong point, but I intend to stay busy and on top of things. I look forward to the rest to the semester. My phone number is 864-804-2053 and I am reachable through texts or calls and am also available through email hit@email.uscupstate.edu. Onie, Welcome to the class! I have not been to Cambodia yet, but was in China this past summer. Would love to spend more time in the fareast. SO fascinating of cultures! Dr. Moss

Hi. My name is Brian Merritt. I am a former buiilder, contractor, carpenter and Clemson Graduate (BS in Management '96). I am very excited to be approaching graduation in May and starting my new career in nursing. So, yes, I've been around the block a time or two and have grown a couple of grey hairs! I am married and have a 3 yr. old son named Zeke. I wish I had his energy to say the least. I am interested in Critical Care and/or Cardiac and am excited to see how research can fit into the equation. I also work as a PCA/ CCA in the Heart Center at Spartanburg Regional. This has been a wonderful experience as well as very valuable asset in nursing school. (864) 809-5167 merritbs@email.uscupstate.edu

Brian, Welcome to the class. My husband is a master carpenter and cabinetmake by trade. He has used his construction skills all over th world and is currently working at Lowe's in Greer. He would love to travel and do construction mission teams. Dr. Moss

Hello everyone!

My name is Shytise Gadson and I am from Allendale SC. I am 21 years old, and a full-time student. I currently do not work because I prefer to focus completely on my education. I am not married or do I have any children. I am the second oldest child of two wonderful parents. I have an older brother, and four younger brothers, and sisters. My educational goal besides making an "A" in this course is to get a better understanding of nursing research, and how it's applied in the field. I have looked forward to this school year because it means I am a step closer to my goal of graduating. Based on my experiences in the different clinical settings I have decided that I would like to work in either labor and delivery or the OR. I also plan on continuing my education to receive my master's degree. My cell number is 803-686-0871, which you can reach me at anytime, and my email address is gadsons@email.uscupstate.edu.

Shytise, Welcome to the class! In what would you like to pursue your master's? Look forward to learning with you! I look forward to learning with you as well! I would like to receive my master's and become a nurse practitioner.

Hey Everyone!

My name is Tiffany Smith and I am from Greenville, SC. I am 22 years old, a full time student, and I work as a pool manager for Upstate Pool Management until I am able to take the CNA certification test and can begin applying at different hospitals in order to gain experience for my ultimate educational goals. I typically work anywhere from 20-30 hours a week, mainly on weekends. I am not married, nor do I have any children, but I have been in a very happy relationship for the past few months. My family consists of my parents, myself, 2 younger brothers ages 20 and 15 (Nicholas and Toliver), 3 dogs (Blaize, Malibu, and Little Bit), and 2 cats (Lily and Lightning). I have many nursing interests.... I absolutely love being able to say that I AM A FAN of the blood and gore (I'm guessing it comes from years of being obsessed with horror movies!). I'm interested in Mental Health, Anesthesia, and have a recent, newfound love for the labor and delivery unit/NICU. I've always loved children and to this day still volunteer for the Special Olympics, thanks to my mother who is a teacher's aid in a special education classroom at Mauldin Middle School. Although I'm a student of USC Upstate, my heart lies at UNC. I'm a die hard Tarheel fan. I also enjoy skating roller derby, and playing several other sports when time is alotted. My educational goals venture much farther than receiving an A in this class, but at this present moment I'm stuck between two paths. I either want to go to school for my CRNA or my NP and work in L&D/NICU. My cell number is (864)-380-6280, where I can be reached at any time and my e-mail is smithte2@email.uscupstate.edu.

Tiffany, Welcome to nursing research. With your educational goals for the future of your nursing career, nursing research is a MUST and you ill take it again in all of those programs. I suggest you keep your critiques for use later on. Dr. Moss

Hello everyone! My name is Rachel Banta. I am 26 years old and am currently a full time student. I am a first semester senior at USCU and have enjoyed every moment of education thus far. I previously attended Greenville Technical College and received an Associates in Science and an Associates in Art. I am also a certified groomer, Veterinary Assistant, and Veterinary nutritionalist. I have lived in Greenville, South Carolina my entire life. In fact, I was born at Greenville Memorial Hospital. I am from a family of four which consists of my father, mother, older brother, and I. I am also the "baby" of the family. I chose nursing to ensure that I have a fulfilling job. I love to help people and will enjoy the challenges of the field. I hope to move on to get my Masters in nursing with a certification in midwifery. My education goals are to learn the most that I can while attaining my BSN. I enjoy the different fields of nursing and want to have a good knowledge base of each. My contact number is (864) 354-1027. I look forward to learning with you all in this course! :)

Rachel, Welcome to this class. I admire you for being a groomer! I have tried to trim our labs toenails and it just freaks me out because I am afraid I will nick the quick and hurt them. Look forward to learning with you also! Dr. Moss



Hi, my name is Ashley Thomas. I am 24 years old and I am from a very small town in the Pee Dee known as Jefferson, SC, but I was born and lived about half of my life in NC. I graduated from Francis Marion University in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, minor in Chemistry. Nursing as always been an interest of mine though. I don't have any kids and I'm not married, but I do work about 25 hours a week. I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and I enjoy meeting new people, although at first I may seem a little shy. I love giving back to the community and just helping others in general. That's one of the main reasons I want to be a nurse. I've considered either being a CRNA or going into oncology, but I'm not sure exactly what field would fit me best. I definitely plan to get my Master's and maybe a Doctorate. I've thought about teaching years from now too. I look forward to being a part of this class and increasing my knowledge of the nursing profession. I can be reached at 843-517-1389.

Ashley, welcome to this class! Your educational interests will have research being a huge part of your future education. Welcome to the class!!

Dr. Moss

Hi everyone, my name is Mamta Mohan and I am a full time student here at USCU. I am from Sumter, SC and moved to Greenville last fall for nursing school. I got my BS in Biology in 2008 from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. I lived there for 5 years and loved it. My parents are originally from India and they moved to the U.S. 35 years ago. I have an older sister and a younger brother, both that I am very close to. I have always been interested in the medical field and nursing seemed like a great profession to me because I love helping people. It is such a rewarding career. After I graduate I plan to obtain my Master's to become an NP. I love kids so pediatrics has always been an interest to me. My telephone number is 803-622-9419. I look forward in having a great semester with you all.

Mamta, Welcome! Glad you are part of this class. I have visited Calcutta several years ago and travel by train up to Bihar province. Fascinating. Had the privelege of visiting Mother Teresa's orphange and actually reading some of her writings. Amazing and moving! Dr. Moss

Hello! My name is Charlotte Lomas. This year my full time job is being a nursing student! I may get a job once the semester settles down but school is my first priority. My cell phone is 803-665-6171. Right now I am keeping an open mind regarding the area of nursing I want to work in. I have an interest in OB or critical care, but over the past year I have really gained an appreciation for patient education. I think just by being given a little bit of information you can do so much! I grew up in a small town 30 miles outside of Columbia named Blythewood. Like Dr. Moss, I am an “oops” child. I have an older sister and brother by 12 and 11 years respectively. My father is a retired tractor salesman but still works as hard as ever around our house and helping his friends with maintenance with their landscaping equipment. My mother is a 6th grade science teacher who will hopefully “graduate” when I do this coming May. Finally after over 30 years of teaching she can see the light at the end of the tunnel with her baby about to finish college. My sister is also a teacher, teaching several classes of English as a Second Language as well as being a team leader over several schools in her district in Columbia and surrounding towns. Her husband is a professional bassist who plays for the Greenvile Symphony, South Carolina Philharmonic and many other orchestras around the state. He is also a high school orchestra director. Obviously education runs in the family! My brother and his wife are engineers at GE in Greenville. They travel all over the world for their job, I wish I could hide in their suitcases for some of their trips! My goal for this last year is to finish stronger than ever! This picture is from our day of zip lining through a cloud forest in Ecuador, one of my favorite things I got to do this summer!

Charlotte, I remember this place in your photo! That was SOOO fun! Welcome to nursing research. I look forward to learning more with you!! Dr. Moss Hello, this is Lauren Walker speaking, I am a first semester senior in the USC Upstate's nursing program. I am from a small town, Lugoff, where I grew up on a farm. I have one younger brother and two wonderful parents and many pets! I love to travel...everywhere and anywhere! At the moment the only job I have is to be a student. I am unsure where I want to go with nursing. I am in love with the idea of working in L&D after I graduate but that all may change by the end of the semester! Who knows? I would ideally like to work for a year or two after graduation and then continue with my education. I am hoping with a little work experience I will have a better idea of what direction I want to go when do I continue with school. I hope by taking this class it will help me better understand the reasoning behind the protocol we follow as nurses. I am excited to get the semester rolling! If you ever need to get in contact with me, my number is (803) 479-8303 and my email is This is my mom and I in Rome! :) Lauren, Welcome to nursing research! I would love to visit Rome! My daughter and I have talked about backpacking through Europe some summer. We both know Spain well but would love to see more. Great experience traveling with your Mom. Dr. Moss

Hello Class! My name is Celina Jones. I apparently have made messages all over Wiki in my attempt to figure this out. (Yes I tend to dive in, and come back to the directions when I get too frustrated). I live in Columbia, SC but am originally from Springfield, MO and much of my childhood was spent in Clearwater, FL. Left home at 18 desperate to see the world before “settling down” (whatever that means) into family life. But that was then and this is now. Now I still want to travel and I know I can still do that with a family! (Example 1: Dr. Moss) But I am probably saving that for my 40’s. Right now I want to get on this nursing career. I work at the Children’s Hospital in Columbia. I love it! I am interested in Women’s health, ER, and L&D. ( big dream and current goal…) And then one day, to go to South America and help women…while speaking the language (Ecuador! Here I come!). I was in the Air Force for my 20’s and am currently looking into going back in as a nurse ( not so easy now that the economy has gone down, causing nurses to go into the AF and me with little experience trying to get in. Needless to say, the AF can take their pick…stay tuned!) I need more encouragement the further along the semester we go, so please feel free to offer any, but I am an annoyingly positive person most of the time, so if you need it, please look me up. The Summer trip to South Africa with Dr. Moss has really turned up the flames to travel, especially as a nurse.( flames of the fire…or something like that, I am REALLY bad at analogies) I recommend that trip to anyone who is interested. Besides school and work, I love food (hardly time to cook), reading (no time and too much of a distraction), movies (I love recommendations!) and my 2 kitties (hey if I have to …OK __get__ to hear people go on about their children, then you can listen to me about my fat fur balls.). This is our final semester (right? Most of you?) so BRING IT ON!!!! (Photo below: me happy, kitties __not__ happy) Celina, Welcome to nursing research!!!! So glad you are here! This is the first picture I have seen of your fur babies! Too cute!Ecuador, July 2012. Just saying...... Dr. Moss