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
Briana Middleton
Student Ambassador
My name is Briana Middleton (she/her) and I am from Rochester, NY. I earned my first bachelor's degree as a dual major in psychology and sociology with a minor in women and gender studies, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding how social systems and lived experiences influence health. My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing began at a young age through interactions with NICU nurses when my sister was born. Their compassion, skill, and ability to support both patients and families during vulnerable moments inspired my desire to give back. Today I'm motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through direct patient care.
Before transitioning into nursing, I worked in human services and social advocacy. That background strengthened my commitment to supporting others, and I hope it continues to inform my approach to empathetic and holistic care.
I enjoy Rochester's parks and trails and diverse food scene. Outside of school, I enjoy knitting, shopping, reading, and playing the Sims.
Natasha Njoroge
Student Ambassador
My name is Natasha (she/her), and I am from Raleigh, North Carolina, but I spent my early years growing up in Middletown, N.Y. My first bachelor’s was in psychology with a minor in niology, on a pre-health track. I ultimately decided to choose nursing because I have always had a passion to serve others and I have always loved learning about health and medicine. I found that nursing was a way to combine those passions with the ability to be hands-on and spend the most time with patients! So far, my favorite things about Rochester have been finding new coffee shops (like Albunn and Pearson’s) and exploring all the different places on Park Ave.
Nithya Saravanan
Student Ambassador
My name is Nithya (she/her). I am from Los Angeles, California. For my first bachelor’s degree, I attended University of California, Riverside and majored in Biology. After I graduated, I started working as an ophthalmic technician and scribe. I have always wanted to work in the medical field, but my work in ophthalmology is what inspired me to go into nursing. One of my favorite things about living in Rochester is seeing the snow fall. We don’t get snow in Greater Los Angeles. A place I loved visiting in Rochester has to be Letchworth State Park. I was able to go with my fellow cohort members during our Fall break. The waterfalls and the autumn foliage there were beautiful. Hobbies I enjoy include dancing, and watching tv shows/movies. Two of my favorite tv shows would have to be Dark, which is a German sci-fi mystery, and the Haunting of Hill House.
Alli Weiner
Student Ambassador
Hi! I’m Alli (she/her), a third-semester ABSN student from Rochester. I earned my B.A. in Public Relations from SUNY New Paltz and later completed my M.A. in International Tourism at the University of Limerick in Ireland. After graduating, I moved back to the states where I worked in recruitment marketing across higher education and corporate tech. For years, I thought about nursing, and I finally decided it was time to find out if this was the path for me. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the full support of my friends and family as I moved back to Rochester and pursued this career change.
Outside of school, you can usually find me playing with my puppy or grabbing an after-class bite with friends. If you’re new to the area, I highly recommend the Highland Park Diner for a classic diner experience. Rochester has a lot to offer, from fall apple-picking and winter snowboarding, to spring hikes and summers in the Finger Lakes. I’m excited to be a student ambassador and help others pursue this adventure. I’m always happy to answer questions, share advice, or connect, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Charise Wolo
Student Ambassador
Howdy! My name is Charise Wolo (she/her), and I am a proud Liberian from Houston, Texas. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Community Health and a minor in Child Development and Family Living. My journey into nursing felt inevitable, as my mother has been a nurse for nearly 40 years, and witnessing the fulfillment and purpose she found in her career deeply inspired me. From childhood into adulthood, I played an active role in caring for my grandmother who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Being part of her care not only strengthened my compassion but also showed me the profound impact empathy, patience, and advocacy can have on someone’s quality of life. These experiences solidified my desire to pursue nursing and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
As a Student Ambassador, I enjoy connecting with prospective students, sharing my experiences, and supporting those navigating their own journeys into healthcare. One of my favorite things about living in Rochester is the balance it offers - short commutes, access to nature, and a slower pace compared to the hustle and bustle of Houston. Outside of nursing, I enjoy working out, relaxing, socializing, and traveling.
