Kayla Sweeney is our Peer Advisor of the Month! She spent over 9 years in the Navy and is now studying nursing at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. She was nominated by the UNLV PAVE leaders, who said, “Kayla has been assigned all nursing student veterans for the semester and immediately took initiative. She interacted with her assigned student population prior to the semester starting and continues to excel in interactions.” Kayla thinks she’s been able to engage many of the student veterans she’s been assigned as a PA because they’re all fellow nursing students, but we also credit her friendliness and persistence as key factors in her success.

One student veteran in particular has benefitted from Kayla’s help. Because that student was in the same program as Kayla, she turned to her for advice about good studying tips and which of her classes she should focus her attention on most. Having been in that student’s shoes not long ago, Kayla was able to guide her and proved so helpful that the student has continued reaching out to her with questions about other matters, including tutoring assistance.

Once she completes her undergraduate nursing degree, Kayla plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in order to become a family nurse practitioner. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively is important for health care providers, and Kayla says that being a Peer Advisor has helped strengthen her communication skills. Keep up the great work, Kayla!