Elizabeth Aretis ’22 Shares Her UCF Journey

My journey at UCF began during the challenging era of COVID-19. It was a time that tested our resolve as students and future healthcare professionals. That experience taught me the true meaning of perseverance—the ability to push forward even when circumstances were uncertain. It reinforced the importance of dedication—not just to my studies but to the future patients who would one day depend on me. And, perhaps most importantly, it instilled in me the necessity of holding oneself accountable—both as a student and as a professional in the making. These values were not just words but lessons I carried with me every step of the way, shaping me into the nurse I am today.

I knew I had found my home among the Knights and had found a community that embraced differences among people and fostered a community of acceptance.

I was born in Athens, Greece, and immigrated to the United States in 2006 with my parents. My family quickly embraced the UCF spirit from the moment I set foot on campus during a college tour. My decision to pursue nursing was inspired by two powerful influences: a godbrother who was so sick as a baby and made me feel so helpless, and a personal calling to care for the sickest and most fragile children. My heart led me to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where I knew I could make the greatest difference among the most vulnerable.

I was fortunate to have the support of the Bright Futures Scholarship and the Florida PrePaid program, which made my dream of becoming a nurse a reality. This financial support lifted a significant burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical experiences.

Knowing that the State of Florida invests in students like me reaffirmed my belief in the power of higher education and the importance of giving back.

While studying, I had the opportunity to work at Orlando Health in an adult Progressive Care Unit and a Neuro Trauma unit. From day one, I was treated as a professional, not just a student. This was a testament to the exceptional education I was receiving at UCF. But beyond textbooks and coursework, what truly shaped me was the power of the transformative mentorship at UCF.

The rigorous academic training and hands-on clinical experiences, like our community health outreach clinicals, our in-person hospital clinicals—and even volunteering at charities like Second Harvest Food Bank—prepared me to enter the workforce with confidence. I learned to think critically, work collaboratively, and approach patient care with skill, compassion, empathy, and understanding.

I was fortunate to learn from extraordinary educators like Desiree Diaz, and Soterios DJiovanis and my mentor Kelly Eberbach [watch their Q and A here]. They were more than professors; they were role models who saw potential in me even when I doubted myself. They instilled in me the belief that I was capable of great things and guided me toward discovering my “why.” Because of their support, I found my place in the PICU, where I now serve at Nemours Children’s Hospital in a 28-bed unit, caring for the most critical pediatric patients.

This is not just a job for me—it is my calling, my passion, and my purpose.

Today, I continue to uphold the values that UCF nurtured in me by paying it forward. I actively mentor new nurses on my unit, have been a preceptor for senior nursing students in partnership with UCF, along with being an active member of the PICU shared governance group, fostering a culture of growth, teamwork, and excellence. Nursing is not just about medical knowledge; it is about resilience, adaptability, and compassion. I strive to embody these qualities every day, ensuring that the next generation of nurses feels as supported and inspired as I did.

Looking ahead, my goal is to obtain my Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification to further elevate my skills and impact the children and families I serve. Lifelong learning is at the heart of nursing, and I am committed to continuously improving myself so that I can provide the highest level of care.

None of this would have been possible without the education and training I received at UCF. The work being done here is shaping the future of healthcare by producing competent, compassionate, and resilient nurses who are ready to take on the challenges of the medical field. Investing in UCF’s nursing program is not just supporting students; it is investing in the future of healthcare, in the well-being of our communities, and in the next generation of caregivers who will make a profound difference in the world.

UCF’s mission is to unleash the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world. This mission is evident in the way the College of Nursing prepares its students—not only by providing a top-tier education but by instilling values of leadership, service, and innovation. I am a testament to UCF’s impact, and I know that the graduates who have come before me after me will continue to make a difference in healthcare and beyond.

At Nemours Children’s Health, where I currently serve, we embrace a mission to provide the highest quality pediatric care while advancing the health and well-being of children everywhere. We are committed to transforming the future of children’s health through innovation, research, and compassionate, family-centered care. Every day, I see this mission in action, and I am proud to be part of an institution that aligns so closely with the values I learned at UCF.

I stand before you today as living proof of the power of this institution. UCF did not just prepare me for a career, it prepared me for a life of purpose, impact, and service.

To the faculty who pour their hearts into teaching, to the board members who make critical decisions that shape our programs, and to the business leaders and investors who ensure our continued success, thank you. Your belief in UCF’s mission makes stories like mine possible. The ripple effect of your support extends far beyond the walls of this institution and into hospitals, clinics, and communities where lives are changed every day.