Wiktoria Milewska A’19, ’21, a respiratory care major in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), has been named as an associate board member of the American Lung Association (ALA), Northeast Region, based in East Hartford, Connecticut. Wiktoria, who began her academic journey in Hillyer College, was recommended for the position by a current board member this summer after she helped the organization with its fundraising efforts.
Wiktoria is a natural fit for her work with the ALA, not only because she is studying respiratory care, but due to her work experience as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home and as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. In addition, she is a member of UHart’s Respiratory Care Club.
Although Wiktoria originally wanted to pursue a nursing career, she changed her mind after she heard Assistant Professor of Respiratory Care and Program Director Karen Griffiths speak about the program in her Hillyer health science elective course. She realized that program would allow her to perform patient care, and most importantly, save lives. Plus, Wiktoria revealed that her grandmother suffers from sleep apnea and COPD, and “I feel like going into this field will allow me to better understand her health conditions,” she says.
Wiktoria says the transition from Hillyer College to the respiratory care program in ENHP was stressful at first, but due to her mentoring experience in Hillyer College, she felt prepared for anything. Once she fully transitioned to ENHP, Wiktoria says the faculty support continued. “The faculty make sure you are successful,” she says.
Another reason Wiktoria was interested in the program is that UHart is the only college in New England that offers it as a bachelor’s-level program. Most offer a two-year program that leads to an associate degree. The advantage is she can get promoted faster because many hospitals strongly prefer respiratory therapists to have a bachelor's degree. “There is a great stimulation lab that helps you prepare for real world scenarios,” she says. “The program is also affiliated with many hospitals, so you receive plenty of clinical hours and are ready to start your career upon graduation.” Her advice to incoming ENHP students is to always try. “No matter how competitive the program is, it doesn’t mean it isn’t meant for you,” she says.
Wiktoria says a piece of advice she would give a first-year Hillyer student is to always give all that you have. “By this I mean to always do your best and never give up even when it gets hard."
Wiktoria Milewska, A'19, '21By working hard during my two years at Hillyer College, I was able to gain strong relationships with professors. I personally think by starting at Hillyer, I was able to become familiar with the University, professors, and different career paths. Hillyer simply prepared me for my future.