About
When Alexa Dreyer, ‘25, first stepped foot on Carroll’s campus as a high school senior, she remembers that it “immediately felt like home.” Carroll had been recommended to Alexa by alumna Katie Capp, and Alexa quickly found that it was the right place for her and her pursuit of a career as a nurse. Alexa describes her time as a Saint in the following three words: “transformative, rigorous, and memorable.”
Alexa remembers being transformed at Carroll because of the people who were there to support her. Quickly learning the meaning of Carroll’s motto, “non scholae, sed vitae,” which is translated as “not for school, but for life,” Alexa forged lifelong friendships and connections with individuals at Carroll. A few staff and faculty members who have positively impacted Alexa’s life include Terri John, Pat Harris, Kate Pieper, Maddie Collins, Rebecca Coates, and Chrissie Carpenter. “Each of these individuals has given me opportunities to excel during my time at and after Carroll,” Alexa says. “I am so grateful to have them in my life.”
Alexa’s next word to describe Carroll is “rigorous.” Not only did Carroll’s nursing program prepare Alexa to pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, to become a licensed nurse on her first attempt, but it also gave her hands-on experience that trained her to handle real life scenarios. “The countless hours of simulation practice and lab check offs have allowed me to take care of my patients to the best of my ability,” Alexa states. “I found that the professors, resources, and class material have been applicable to my everyday life in my field.”
Earlier this year, Alexa accepted a position as a surgical gynecology and urology nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She hopes to continue advancing in her career, with the goal of taking on a leadership role as a preceptor and charge nurse, as well as obtaining specialty certifications. Additionally, Alexa has considered continuing her education in nursing. “I love to
learn and think I would further my education and complete my Doctor in Nursing Practice or try research nursing,” Alexa says.
The third and final word with which Alexa describes Carroll is “memorable.” From having a girls’ sleepover with her friends on a “mega bed” made from the Trinity dorm’s mattresses, to having the opportunity to sing the national anthem at Carroll’s home games for three years, Alexa has no shortage of fond memories as a Saint. Alexa also emphasizes the importance of Carroll’s extracurricular activities and remembers them as formative in meeting new people, forming new connections, and pushing herself out of her comfort zone. “Immerse yourself in the culture of Carroll by volunteering, attending school events, and getting involved with new clubs!” Alexa advises. “Getting involved with serving the community around you can be a great way to connect with others and yourself.”
