Valencia Short '15

Would you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Valencia, or “Lency,” Short. I am a graduate of the Knox College Class of 2016. I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Currently I am a Graduate Entry Student for the University of Illinois at Chicago, Masters of Science in Nursing Program, Class of 2020.

How did you find your current nursing program?

I applied to Rush University the summer after I graduated from Knox, but my GRE scores did not meet their qualifications. I pushed through, taking the GRE 3 more times, but I ultimately realized I still needed to start looking at other schools. I heard about UIC’s Graduate Entry program through the family member of one of my patients, who had connections at the Veterans Hospital across the street from UIC’s College of Nursing.

I applied to their program and got accepted. I realize now that UIC was the right program for me, offering me the same values and a high-quality education that I had learned to cherish and appreciate at Knox.

What are some of the ways the moral values at Knox shaped your career?

My ANSO [Anthropology and Sociology] class with Professor William Hope taught me how health and community goes hand-in-hand. My senior research explored social determinants of health and health disparities of breast cancer in the African American female community. In my research, I sought out solutions to bridge the gap between underserved communities and healthcare literacy and access.

What drew you to Knox?

I chose Knox because I was searching for an education that would overall mold me into a well-rounded learner, a critical thinker, an open mind, and a person of curiosity. My experience at Knox embedded within me all of those qualities and more!