Elizabeth Aquino ’02 is a former dance teacher turned technical nurse’s aid who is now working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at DeSalesUniversity, located in Center Valley Pennsylvania, within the Lehigh Valley, just minutes from Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton in northeastern Pennsylvania.

“The shift to nursing came about because I am a compassionate person.  I lost my Mom at age 8 and I have a need to take care of people just as I did for my mother,” said Elizabeth.

She is currently taking classes in anatomy, physiology, science and medicine while simultaneously planning her wedding to Jason VanSyckle whom she met in Pennsylvania through a college roommate.  The wedding date is September 5, 2010.

“My days are very busy.  In addition to my nursing classes, I am what is called a technical partner at the hospital,” she continued.  “I do everything from feeding and changing patients bed clothes to pulling catheters.  Once I get my nursing degree, I’ll add more duties such as administering IVs and medications.”

The discussion turned to her years at La Salle and Elizabeth spoke of her favorite classes and activities.

“I loved my sophomore Religion class that was taught by Mr. Collins and Dance Club with Mrs. Morsilli and my Senior Dean Mrs. Anderson with whom I became quite close,” said Elizabeth.  “I really loaded my schedule my senior year because I was not sure if I wanted to go into the medical field or dance.  As it turned out, I chose dance and started my freshman year at DeSales.  Obviously, I have since changed my mind.”

“I remember two or three particularly great moments at La Salle -- one was when I had a brick laid for myself just like my Uncle Leo did.  He was a district attorney in Rhode Island and it was a cool experience to share that part of history with him at La Salle.  Another was when my class raised the money for a plaque for our class,” she continued.  “I also remember traveling to George West School.”

“Perhaps most importantly, is the love I felt and still feel for Brother Michael who awarded me a scholarship to help us out financially.  I worked at school during the summer as part of the scholarship agreement and I loved the work,” said Elizabeth.  “La Salle is a family and I am still in touch with many people there as well as former classmates – these are lasting relationships.”

She spoke of returning to her high school for her fifth year reunion and being amazed at the improvement since she left.

“The campus just keeps getting better.  I was very impressed with the Shea Science building with its smart boards – something we still don’t have in some college classrooms,” continued Elizabeth.  “The totality of the changes campus wide is amazing.  I am going to get back as often and as soon as possible.”

As mentioned, prior to her shift to nursing, Elizabeth was teaching dancing for three years and said that she will always find time to dance but for now it is full speed ahead to get that nursing degree and put the finishing touches on her wedding plans.

She can be reached at ema2vans@gmail.com