Student Ambassadors at the University of Rochester School of Nursing serve as representatives of the student body, acting as a bridge between prospective students and the nursing school community. Their role is to provide an authentic perspective on what it’s like to be a nursing student and creating a welcoming environment for future members of the nursing program.
As current students, our ambassadors understand the excitement, challenges, and questions that come with pursuing a nursing degree. They’re eager to share their journeys, including what drew them to UR Nursing, their experiences in the classroom and clinical settings, and how the program is shaping their future careers. Their firsthand knowledge and passion for nursing make them an excellent resource for anyone considering a path in healthcare. Our Student Ambassadors also play a key role in fostering connections within the UR Nursing community and are committed to helping prospective students feel confident and supported. Their stories reflect the unique opportunities and personalized approach to education that set UR Nursing apart.
We invite you to connect with our Student Ambassadors to learn more about life at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Whether you’re curious about our programs, campus culture, or simply want to hear what it’s like to be part of our nursing community, our ambassadors are here to guide and inspire you on your journey.
Meet our Student Ambassadors
Tanya Baranov
Student Ambassador
Pronouns: She/Her
My name is Tanya Baranov (preferred pronouns she/her) and my hometown is New Milford, Connecticut. My first bachelor’s degree is in biology with a minor in philosophy from Clarkson University. I worked as a lifeguard for eight years and as a swim instructor for five years before coming to the University of Rochester’s ABSN program. I have also been a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for almost two years. I have always been interested in the medical field but could never narrow down what specific position I wanted to work in. I was pre-medicine at Clarkson but after graduating I started working as a CNA, I fell in love with nursing. I would shadow the nurses at my work as much as possible and got to see wound care and medicine passes amongst other tasks. I loved how much time the nurses got with the patients and that they could build a rapport with them. The time with the patients, relationship building, and the distinct roles a nurse can fulfill is what pushed me towards nursing. Outside of nursing, I love to hike, swim, and kayak. I love hiking challenges and have completed the ADK fire tower challenge this summer and the Lake Placid 9er challenge this fall. I am currently working on the ADK 46ers and the Finger Lakes Trail challenge. I also travel home a lot and love visiting Rhode Island and Vermont. My favorite spots in Rochester are Letchworth State Park, the Lehigh Valley Trail, the Memorial Art Gallery, and the Lamberton Conservatory (Highland Park).
Ellen Haseler
Student Ambassador
Pronouns: She/Her
My name is Ellen Haseler (she/her), I am from Rochester, NY! I graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in neuroscience and honors. After graduating I took a gap year to work as a medical assistant in an out-patient internal medicine office connected to Rochester General Hospital. Interacting with patients and working in the healthcare field as a medical assistant encouraged me to apply to nursing school. I started the 12-month ABSN program at University of Rochester in May of 2024. I am interested in women’s health and pediatrics! In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis or pickleball at Cobbs Hill Park. I also enjoy reading a book at my favorite cafe called Sips!
Faith Hutton
Student Ambassador
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello! My name is Faith Hutton, pronouns she/her, and I grew up in a small town in Northern NY. I attended Clarkson University for my bachelor’s in biology, and after graduation I decided to postpone furthering my education to explore potential career paths, and after about two years, I was ready to jump into the healthcare world through the ABSN program! I chose this path because I value the hands-on patient care that nursing encompasses as well as the opportunities for growth and specialization within the nursing role. Although I have not quite figured out what I want to do within the nursing world, each clinical rotation in this program gets me closer to the answer. Throughout this program it is important to take some time to relax and recover from the long hours of schoolwork, so when I am not at the SON, you can find me traveling to different hiking trails with my dog Korra or just taking in some quiet time between assignments. I am here to tell you that although the workload is intense and it seems impossible to accomplish everything in a short amount of time, the SON provides you with the tools for success and you will be a great nurse! I look forward to providing you some insight into the ABSN program, as well as helpful advice for navigating each semester!
Maggie Metcalf
Student Ambassador
Hi everyone, my name is Maggie Metcalf and I grew up around Portland, Oregon. I recently graduated from St. Bonaventure University, and I always knew I had a desire to pursue a career that allows me to help others. I chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the opportunity to provide hands-on patient care, and the versatility that comes with a nursing degree. There are so many different paths you can choose from as a nurse, and many opportunities for career advancement.
Samantha Rush
Student Ambassador
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello! I am Samantha (Sam) Rush (she/her) and I am originally from Vacaville, California, which is in the Sacramento area of Northern California. I was born and raised in California until I moved to Rochester, New York in May 2024 to attend University of Rochester School of Nursing. Moving cross-country to a place where I knew nobody was scary at first, but I am so thankful that I took that leap! I graduated in 2023 from Sacramento State with my bachelor of science in health science. While I was a student there, I worked at the registrar’s office, where I worked with students. After graduation, I worked briefly in biotechnology, where I was a manufacturing technician for a pharmaceutical company. I loved the science aspect of that job, but wanted something more involved with people, which is why I was drawn to nursing! I have always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was young. I have always had a love for science and medicine as well as the drive to help others. My goal is to become a pediatric oncology nurse and then also become a nurse educator further in my career. When I am not studying, you can find me reading a book or enjoying a latte. My favorite local spot is Hydra Coffeehouse. My other interests include art history, horror novels, going on nature walks, baking, and traveling. My favorite activity to do while traveling is exploring the museums and trying new food spots. My favorite places I have been are Salem/Boston, MA, Montréal, and Tokyo.
