May 8, 2025

Aaron Pitt Jr. lives a super hectic life. Between juggling classes, a part-time job and three student organizations, he seems to do it all.

For the sophomore nursing major, the choice to become a nurse was simple: he loves caring for others.

“I chose nursing because I have a passion for helping others. I love being directly involved [with patients] and joining them on that journey of improvement can truly be transformative,” he says.

Fresh off his first co-op as a life skills trainer, the Chester County native reflected on how working with geriatric patients helped him to appreciate things in a different light.

“It was a unique situation,” he says. “The population I worked with had brain and spinal injuries. It taught me a lot, and I learned so much from the residents. Even understanding how to utilize your brain, especially given the disabilities they have. I learned how to view things in a different light, and to appreciate everything.”

That experience strengthened a motto he lives by daily: use your disadvantages to your advantage. Pitt notes that as one of the few Black male students in the nursing program, the motto helps to keep him grounded. As of 2022, male nurses comprised about 12 percent of the national nursing work force. Those numbers become even slimmer once the 6.3 percent of registered nurses who identify as Black or African American are accounted for.

Rather than letting this define him, he uses this to advocate and educate others on the struggles minoritized people face in health care. “I think that has been one of my strengths. It allows people to learn more about the lens that marginalized groups view the health care system—especially given the storied history in America,” he says. “Plus, I love to advocate for people, and create spaces where people feel comfortable to express themselves and feel represented. Representation is big for me.”

Pitt also notes that recognizing and embracing others’ differences has helped him to build a strong sense of community within the nursing world. That connection was on full display this past April, when the Drexel University Student Nurses Association (DUSNA) attended the National Student Nurses' Association Convention in Seattle—where Pitt received a scholarship and the Dr. Kenya Williams Breakthrough to Nursing Award. This award recognizes exceptional individuals who exemplify an unwavering commitment to the breakthrough to nursing mission within their communities 

“I’ve met a lot of different nursing students from across the country, and it’s been so cool to unite for one purpose, and what better purpose than caring for other people,” Pitt explains

While still early in his nursing career, Pitt made one thing clear: his faith, and a strong network of supporters help to keep him focused.

“If it wasn’t for my faith, I wouldn’t have the stamina to endure the challenges that come with being a nursing student at Drexel. It has been a blessing to be surrounded by the community I have. A lot of who I have become is because people were willing to share their insight and wisdom with me,” Pitt says. “I feel like I’ve been able to do so much because of those around me. I’m so appreciative of everyone from my classmates, professors and clinical supervisors to the nurses I’ve met throughout my journey."

For now, Pitt looks forward to beginning his clinical rotations and embarking on his second co-op, eager to keep the momentum going on a successful career ahead.

Written by Myleah Herbert, marketing '25

Photography by Jasper Baker, photography '28