Each year, IUPUI honors 100 outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate excellence in three categories—academic excellence, campus leadership, and community engagement. These Top 100 Jags represent everything that makes IUPUI exceptional.
Emma Bucher, a Traditional BSN Honors student who will graduate in May 2024, has been chosen as one of IUPUI's Top 100 students for 2024. Below, learn more about Emma's journey at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI and the organizations and groups she's chosen to volunteer with during her time at IUPUI.
Why did you choose to pursue your degree at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI?
I chose to pursue my nursing degree at IUPUI because of all the hospitals that are on or near our campus. I believed that the diversity of hospitals would allow me to gain the most experience as a student nurse!
Who has inspired you during your educational journey?
My Health Assessment lab teacher, Madonna Wilson, has inspired me most during my educational journey. This was my first semester of nursing school, and I was scared to even take blood pressure. Madonna was so welcoming and kind to me during that first lab class. She encouraged us to make mistakes and made me more comfortable with all my skills.
What has been your favorite or most memorable class/educational opportunity while studying at IUPUI, and why?
My most memorable educational opportunity while studying at IUPUI was when I studied abroad to London during my spring break in 2023. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about public health and about various health systems and compare them to our in the United States. This was my first time traveling out of the country, and it was a great experience to learn, sight see, and make new friends.
What activities or organizations are you involved in, and why did you choose to become involved or volunteer with these groups?
I am involved with Jagathon, IUPUI's Dance Marathon that fundraises money for Riley Hospital for Children. I chose to become involved with Jagathon because I loved their mission to make a difference in children's lives. I quickly grew a passion to raise money for the children at Riley Hospital.
I am also involved in the Student Nurse Association. I chose to become involved with the Student Nurse Association to be with students who are going through the nursing program with me and to get advice from older students.
Why was it important to you to take on extra activities or leadership roles while studying at IUPUI?
It was very important to me to take on extra activities and leadership roles while studying at IUPUI because I knew it would make me more connected to my campus and allow me to meet new people. I knew that taking on leadership roles would allow me to grow as a leader and become more confident in myself.
What are your plans following the completion of your Bachelor of Science in Nursing studies?
After I graduate in May, I will be working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Fort Wayne, IN. I have already accepted the position, and I am really excited to start! Eventually, I would like to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
What does the recognition of being a Top 100 Outstanding Student mean to you?
It is an honor to be recognized as a Top 100 Outstanding Student. To me, it means that I have made an impact on IUPUI during my time in college and that I should be proud of what I have accomplished.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to thank the IUSON for all the opportunities they provide nursing students. I do not think that I would be as confident as a graduating nurse if I had not received the various clinical experiences from the IUSON!