Some people are just destined to attend Northern Kentucky University. Whether it’s family and friend connections or just the perfect program opportunity, many students perfectly fit the mold on campus.
You can put Quinn James in the category. James has a family history of NKU alumni. His older siblings, cousins and even father are all NKU graduates. And even though he briefly looked elsewhere, NKU called him.
“My parents were still super supportive about touring other college campuses, but between hearing about the inclusive environment and amazing nursing program, I set my eyes on NKU,” James says.
When they arrived on campus, however, they were able to find their own people. James joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Order of Omega, Leadership Mentors, Freshman Service and Leadership Committee and other organizations, serving in leadership roles in many of them.
“From day one, I found my people on NKU’s campus,” James says. “I attended the FreshStart retreat and met so many new people. And what kept me coming back to campus everyday (other than living on campus) was the people and the environment.”
The motivation of wanting to help people led James in several directions, delving into opportunities that aim to aid others. They got involved with Norse Violence Prevention, an organization on campus that provides support and resources for students impacted by sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.
James organized “Take a Break with NVP,” which had more than 70 participants and educated more than 500 students about bystander intervention and consent culture.
“NVP creates a culture of survivorship, independence and empowerment,” James says. “But most importantly, NVP’s staff are the most welcoming individuals NKU has to offer.”
Helping people also motivated them in the classroom, where James studied nursing.
“Even from a young age, I loved helping people. In fact, my mom always says that I will help out with housework at any house other than my own,” James jokes. “I also had a love for science and learning about how things worked. I also have some cousins and aunts who are nurses which definitely influenced my decision. Watching a lot of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ also definitely contributed.”
James landed their dream job before graduating, working as a nurse in the Emergency Department at St. Elizabeth Hospital. And even though they began their dream job already, receiving their degree still means a lot.
In fact, he wants people to take something away from his own college experience.
“No one has a college experience free from adversity, and I was most definitely not the exception,” James says. “I battled with my mental health throughout my entire college career, but so many people helped me through it from professors, family, friends, fraternity brothers, staff members and coworkers. I could have given up countless times, but every time that I tried to give up someone would be there supporting me and talking some sense into me.”
As for what James thinks every student should do before they graduate?
“Join at least one organization, attend at least one event out of your comfort zone, attend a sporting event other than men’s basketball (although you should also do that), and walk through every building even if you don’t have a class there.”
