Cherie Brinkley
 Final exams bring out the best and worst in students. In the last attempt to improve their grades, many students lose focus, become nervous and begin doubting their abilities.
Cherie Brinkley sits back and chuckles at her friends. Stress is something she’s already learned to ward off. “I just tell my friends to calm down. They really know the information for the test but they just start freaking out,” Cherie says. “Seeing all the different reactions students have during final exam week can be pretty funny.” Cherie likes a challenge. Of course, she has always had a desire to help others, which led her to choose nursing as her major. However, the work environment of a hospital entices her even more. “I like knowing that my life will never be the same on a day-to-day basis,” Cherie says, adding that she hopes to become a nurse practitioner and possibly open her own clinic one day. |
Working toward: a bachelor’s degree in nursing
Expected graduation date: Fall 2009
High school: Archbishop Blenk High School
Hometown: Algiers, La.
Nicholls involvement:
I was inducted into two honor societies, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma. I am also a Catholic Daughter at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, a Nicholls Ambassador and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
I chose to attend Nicholls because …
… my mom came here, and I liked the small community. Every teacher knows your name, so it makes it easier to get the help you need. I feel comfortable talking with each one of them. I also knew about the reputation of the Nicholls nursing department. I began clinicals in Spring 2008. It’s hard work, but I can do anything if I put my mind to it.
When I can find spare time, I enjoy …
… watching movies and hanging out and laughing with friends. Living in Ellender Hall was not only been convenient but it also helped me meet tons of new people.
After college, I plan to …
… to go to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are able to work closer to doctors and can even open their own clinics.
What surprised me most about Nicholls is …
… it’s not as hard as people in high school tell you it will be. You have to study, of course, but it’s not impossible to do well. If you just put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.