September 28, 2020

As a third-year student in Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Chris Recinto has explored his broad interests in healthcare and found a connection to nursing. In high school, Recinto was interested in healthcare but was still deciding on a specific application for this potential career path. After exploring the pre-med curriculum, Recinto decided that the diverse specialties and career opportunities in nursing were a better fit. Discovering many points of intersection with business, engineering and the natural sciences, Recinto has excelled in a four-year with one co-op plan, which enables him work for six months during his third year of college.

Advancing through the curriculum, Recinto took Anatomy and Physiology 102 with Michael Kirifides, PhD, an assistant professor in the Health Sciences program, who specializes in the nervous system. In this class students are encouraged to expand their knowledge on the norms of the human body under the foundational premise that form and function are directly related. The course consists of both lab and lecture, where students are able to participate in practical examinations of microscopic sections, tissues and organs and the anatomical layout of various cadavers. Through this course, Recinto became very interested in the nervous system and is seeking a co-op experience that can connect him with this specialized area.

Support from faculty has also been an important part of the experience Recinto has had at the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Whether seeking opportunities outside of the classroom, or reaching out for guidance, faculty have been there to support his goals. For example, Assistant Clinical Professor Jane Donovan, PhD, went out of her way to spend time with Recinto and other students to discuss any academic questions, concerns and highlighted the importance of practice and emotional intelligence. His experience with faculty has helped frame a real-world approach to his future career with support along the way.

As a new student on campus, Recinto initially connected with a group of friends during their new student orientation week. This close group of friends also lives in a shared learning community, part of their residential experience on Drexel’s campus. Whether making Oreo truffles, visiting the Franklin Institute, walking around Philadelphia or ice skating in the city, the friendships they have built are a meaningful part of their Drexel experience and a source of joy and support. On campus, Recinto participates in the Dragon Run Club, the Drexel Student Nurses’ Association and is a member of the Beta Chi Theta fraternity. As a leader on campus, Recinto wants to welcome all new students to Drexel and looks forward to connecting with the future dragons.