Deeply personal perspective inspires love for nursing, hands-on care

By Lauren Powers May 7, 2025

With a passion for nursing inspired by the care her sibling received during his early life, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing student Caroline Zhu is no stranger to the impact incredible nurses can have on people’s lives.

That deeply personal connection to nursing spurred her awe-inspiring journey as a student nurse.

Caring for others comes naturally to Zhu, who will graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In addition to her nursing studies, she dedicated time to serving as a student EMT with Emory’s student-run emergency medical service team. There, she discovered a desire to help others through direct, hands-on care. Serving the Emory community in this capacity solidified her commitment to human connection, which is a bedrock of the nursing profession.

She also learned that she could thrive in other high-stress situations — including performing at a national level as part of Emory’s swimming and diving team. That skill also will serve her well as a practicing nurse.

As Commencement approaches, Zhu reflects on her early connections to nursing and her progression from student to nurse.

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

My decision to become a nurse was deeply personal. My twin brother spent much of his early life in and out of the hospital due to complications from premature birth. I witnessed firsthand how the nurses who cared for him didn’t just manage his medical needs, they transformed his hospital experience and, in many ways, his outcome.

Their empathy, expertise and presence left a lasting impression on me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be that kind of presence for others: to make a meaningful difference during some of the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives.

Is there an influential nurse in your life?

My mom and grandma, who immigrated here from China, are my biggest role models. I aspire to be as good a nurse as they are.

How did your experience as a student EMT inspire your love of nursing?

Being a student EMT was instrumental in shaping my path toward nursing. For the first year and a half of my undergraduate studies, I debated between pursuing pre-medicine or pre-nursing. My time with Emory EMS helped me realize my true passion lies in direct, hands-on patient care. As an advanced EMT, I had the privilege of connecting with patients in deeply personal and often vulnerable moments. It was incredibly rewarding to serve the Emory community while building practical medical skills and learning how to stay calm and compassionate in high-stress situations. That experience solidified my commitment to nursing as a profession rooted in both technical expertise and human connection.

How will your time as a member of Emory’s swimming and diving team prepare you to practice nursing?

Being part of Emory’s swimming and diving team has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my college experience. Representing the Eagles at the national level was both thrilling and humbling, an opportunity I’ll always treasure. Swimming has taught me discipline, resilience and how to thrive within a team. The program has pushed me to grow not only as an athlete but also as a leader and a person. I’m incredibly proud of my teammates and everything we’ve accomplished together. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.

What are your plans after graduation?

Studying for the NCLEX [National Council Licensure Examination, the nursing board exam] and traveling!

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