How Our Students are Living the Mission

Living in San Francisco enhances our academic experience. The neighborhood’s mix of working families, local bakeries, and quiet streets serves as a daily reminder of the importance of community. Our MUNI rides across the city have become moments of reflection, showcasing the diversity and resilience that define San Francisco.

As students, we appreciate that USF is rooted in the Jesuit tradition while also embracing San Francisco’s vibrant culture. The Bay Area’s community inspires us to advance our personal goals while aligning with the School of Nursing and Health Professions’ mission of equitable and compassionate service. Grounded in the principle of cura personalis — care for the whole person — USF emphasizes leadership through compassion, love, and humility.

Completing clinical rotations at safety-net hospitals has been transformative, exposing us to health inequities and teaching us to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with dignity and respect. These experiences highlight the importance of understanding different perspectives and reflecting critically on the world, enabling us to offer care with empathy and equity. At USF, we engage in scholarly inquiry, support underserved communities, and confront health disparities alongside compassionate peers and mentors.

USF inspires us to embody our values through action and  motivates us to ‘change the world from here.’ Each community experience reinforces that education nurtures compassion,  justice, and empathy, encouraging us to lead with purpose and serve with intention.

The mission of USF resonates deeply with our personal values, encouraging us to commit to service and social justice while igniting pride in our shared purpose. Being a Jesuit-Catholic SONHP scholar means recognizing significant moments, such as holding a parent’s hand as they bring their sick child to the hospital, and offering reassurance during difficult times. It involves simplifying complex medical information to alleviate patients’ fears. In these moments of listening and reassurance, we witness the profound impact of human connection.

Throughout our time at USF, we have forged lifelong friendships and established meaningful connections with professors who challenge our personal and professional growth. The support from staff and peers has empowered us with the confidence to understand our community’s needs and serve with intention.