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FEBRUARY 2021 23 "I am so thankful UVA has allowed for me to play at such a competitive level on the field, while also pursing my dream of becoming a nurse." Dyson acknowledged the difficulty and benefits of her busy schedule. "Sometimes it can be a little overwhelm- ing, but it is also teaching me a lot of life lessons that will help me in the future," Dy- son said. "I have found that I perform better in the classroom when I am busy and have things to do throughout the day because I only have limited time to get things done. "My schedule has taught me how impor- tant managing my time is in order to be the most effective version of myself. I am very lucky to have Gwin as a role model because she has helped me manage the balance be- tween lacrosse and nursing." Chapman echoed the sentiments of her teammates. "I definitely don't have a lot of down time, but I enjoy staying busy so it's per- fect," Chapman said. "I feel that I work more efficiently when I have a packed schedule. Plus, all of my coaches and the faculty in the nursing program have been so wonderful with helping me balance out my schedule. "They have all been such an integral part of helping me find success in both lacrosse and school." While their curriculum and classes had to be slightly altered due to the COVID-19 pan- demic, each of them has still been able to go into the hospital to gain crucial experience. Chapman noted how this new challenge has provided her different opportunities and insight into the profession. "It has definitely given me a deeper sense of pride and gratitude," Chapman said. "Having pride in what you do is so impor- tant, and I feel so proud and grateful to be pursuing a profession where individuals are on the front line helping others during what may be some of the most difficult and vulnerable times of their life." Despite all of these difficulties, there have been some major highlights too. Sinnott, who hopes to work in pediatrics, has been able to spend time in the ICU and operat- ing room. "I think some of my favorite moments have been working in the ICU for a make- up clinical on a Saturday and also being in the operating room during a C-section and being able to hold the baby," Sinnott said. "The human body just fascinates me and being able to learn about it is incredible." UVA's nursing curriculum gives its stu- dents the opportunity to see many different fields of nursing. That has been a great asset to Dyson, who is still trying to figure out just which path she hopes to take. "I have been exposed to different fields of nursing," Dyson said. "This past fall, I had rotations on both med-surgery unit and pediatric units. This spring I will have clini- cal rotations on both the psychiatric unit and the labor and delivery unit in the hospital. "At this moment, I am not exactly sure which field of nursing I want to pursue be- cause I still have yet to experience some. While I am keeping my options open, I am especially excited about labor and delivery this spring!" These three student-athletes, through their commitment to helping others and working as a team on the field, will undoubtedly find success in life and be able to handle any challenge thrown their way. Combining the demands of lacrosse and nursing has taught Dyson, a third- year midfielder, the importance of time management. PHOTO COURTESY UVA Chapman, a graduate transfer defender, was attracted to nursing because it offered the ability to help others and presented multiple challenges. PHOTO COURTESY UVA "I loved the patient interaction that nursing entails, the impact that nurses have on the physical being of others and the chance they have to make a difference in someone's life through compassion and care." DYSON