By: Abigail Sullivan
I recently spoke with Mystic Valley Alumnus Kyle Manley, who graduates in the spring of 2016, about life after MV. Here is what he had to say:
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| Photo courtesy of Kyle Manley |
What school are you currently attending?
“Currently I am attending the University of Massachusetts - Lowell, otherwise known as UMass, UMass Lowell, or UML.”
What's your major? What inspired you to pursue this program? How is it now?
“I am a Nursing major. Although my interest may change in what type of nursing, as of now I am focusing on becoming a Pediatric Nurse."
"Many things inspired me to go to Nursing school. Throughout all, if not most of high school, I planned on going to school for theater. It wasn’t until Junior year when my father passed away when I made the complete switch to go to Nursing school. When my dad was sick I was completely shocked and taken back by all the love and care that nurses give, not just to their patients but their patients' family and friends as well."
"Knowing myself and knowing that I have a passion to make others happy, and healthy, I looked at nursing. After talking to my mom, who was a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), I made the final decision and started looking at nursing programs. I think other factors, such as working in a fast-paced and very busy field caught my eye as well."
"I even made the Dean's list (GPA above 3.25; I have a 3.6) and I was asked to join the honors college!”
How challenging has it been academically? Did you take IB classes in high school, and if so, how is the work load different?
“Let me tell you, Nursing school is tough. It is one of the most challenging and tiring majors out there and I’m only taking one “Nursing” class as of now. Don’t be fooled though, my gen-eds, like Anatomy & Physiology and Childhood and Adolescent Development, are also a workload."
"During my junior and senior years at Mystic Valley I took 4 IB Classes and 3 Honors classes. Compared to IB classes there is a lot more work, and when I say “a lot” I actually mean “A LOT”."
"Although there is more work, there is also a lot more time. Instead of waking up at 6:30 AM everyday and working from 8-3:15, I get to choose the hours I work. Basically what I’m saying is that even though there may be tons of work, if you really try and work hard, it can and will get done.”
"Although there is more work, there is also a lot more time. Instead of waking up at 6:30 AM everyday and working from 8-3:15, I get to choose the hours I work. Basically what I’m saying is that even though there may be tons of work, if you really try and work hard, it can and will get done.”
What is one thing you appreciate that MV taught you?
“I think one thing that MV taught me is how to be an individual. It may sound weird, especially since we wear uniforms from the second we walk into that school until the day we leave, but it’s true. Mystic Valley conforms all of us to dress the same and to be as similar as possible to leave out judgement. It seems crazy at first, but while wearing these uniforms, you let down walls."
"For example, my friend group contained an Indian girl, a Muslim girl, some Vietnamese friends, a Jewish friend, the list goes on… If I were at any other school, chances are I would’ve looked for those who resembled me the most. Instead I was lucky enough to be surrounded by so many beautiful people who were different than me."
"Seeing them outside of school, or on half days, allowed for myself to realize that I was special. I wasn’t just another student in a uniform, but instead I was me.”
How's living in a dorm? With challenging academics, is having a social life impossible?
“Living in a dorm is something else. Instead of having your mom or dad call for you to get up in the morning, coming downstairs and seeing your breakfast already prepared for you, you’re setting a multitude of alarms (to get up for a class that starts at 11AM)."
"Although there are some problems that come with living in a dorm, there are also a lot of upsides. Since you live at school and are around your roommates all the time, you grow some strong relationships. Even though I live in a dorm especially for Health Science Majors and we all have an intense amount of work, we somehow still do have good social lives."
"We’re all able to work so hard during the week, and bond over the intense stress our classes give us, that we’re able to enjoy the weekends. Although some weekends are filled with writing 3 papers and studying for 2 exams that somehow end up within three days of each other, I’ve always been able to find something fun to do.”
What clubs/athletics were you involved with at Mystic Valley?.
“While attending Mystic Valley I tried to be as involved with everything as much as I could be. I was a member of the Key Club (just 9th and 12th grade), Vice-President of the school’s Drama Club (member from 9th-12th grade, VP 12th grade), Captain of the Boy’s Varsity Crew (member 10th-12th grade, Captain 11th-12th), Senior Class representative (12th), and editor-in-chief of the yearbook (member 11th-12th grade, EIC 12th grade). I'm in the Nursing clubs around campus. I plan on doing crew next year.”
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