Rewriting Her Story: Nicole Parish’s Journey to WAUSM

WAUSM student Nicole Parish is proof that you have the power to add a plot twist to your life. For her, that plot twist happened at 4 a.m. while working a night shift as a nurse. She typed “medical schools” into Google, WAUSM appeared in the results, and she applied. Six months later, she was packing her bags in anticipation of starting medical school at WAUSM.

A Decade in Nursing that Shaped Her Calling

Parish’s life in healthcare started long before that Google search. Inspired by her mother, also a nurse, Parish followed in her mother’s footsteps by working as a nursing assistant in high school and eventually becoming a registered nurse. She dedicated more than a decade to nursing, but after working in the ICU during COVID-19, she realized she wanted to do more for her patients.

“I have had the privilege to work with some of the most selfless and brilliant doctors who inspired me to apply to medical school,” said Parish.

In fall 2021, she began her pre-med classes and started researching medical schools, which ultimately led her to WAUSM.

Balancing Med School and Motherhood

Now, Parish is well into her medical school journey. The academic rigor and change of environment were major shifts, but nothing compared to the hardest part of the journey: being away from her daughter. When she left for Freeport, her daughter was 16.

“We have had so many happy reunions and sad goodbyes, but we made it work by exploring the island together when she visits,” said Parish. “She has fallen in love with Freeport and is coming soon for her final visit before I head back to the States.”

Finding her Rhythm in Freeport

Outside of the classroom, Parish leans into movement. She walks daily and trains at the gym several times a week. Years ago, she owned a kettlebell and boxing gym, so finding a familiar space at Nesbitt Fitness inside Rayvin Mall felt like rediscovering a piece of her old self on the island.

Parish followed a spark at 4 a.m., and her life changed in an instant. Her years of experience in nursing continue to shape how she learns, how she studies, and how she approaches the physician she is working to become.