Paying it Forward” - School of Nursing - West Virginia University

Kevin works as a resident assistant at WVU's Lincoln Hall
where he helps freshmen and sophomores with their nursing
school applications and interviews.
Steurer, who has now been in remission for 12 years,
believes his experience as a patient will allow him to better
connect with parents of children with leukemia.
"I've served on various panel discussions to talk to
families who are dealing with this illness," said Steurer. "When
I tell parents about what I went through and where I am now,
they feel more relaxed because they see that there can be a
positive outcome."
Despite the setbacks brought on by his illness, Steurer
has never lost sight of his ambitions and his determination to
help others. In addition to being a full-time student, he also
works as a resident assistant at WVU's Lincoln Hall dormitory.
"I wanted to be a resident assistant so I could help
students understand college life better," said Steurer. "It helps
them to have that special insight from someone who has been
in their shoes."
At Lincoln Hall, Steurer regularly hosts study groups to
help pre-nursing students with their introductory courses. He
also assists them with their nursing school applications and
even conducts one-on-one mock interviews with them.
"I've always wanted to
go into pediatric
nursing so I could give
back what I received
when I was sick," said
Steurer.
"They are so grateful for the experience," said Steurer.
"They always tell me that when they go to their nursing school
interviews, they feel so comfortable because they've practiced
them before."
According to Steurer, being a resident assistant has
prepared him for the rigors of a career in nursing.
"Being a resident assistant keeps me grounded because
you have to balance work and school. Although it was hard in
the beginning, it has definitely helped me manage my time
better. I think those time-management skills helped me with my
clinical rotations which involved a lot of organization and
prioritization."
Steurer, who recently received the 2010-2011 Helene Fuld
Health Trust Scholarship from the School of Nursing, plans to
continue his higher education and become a nurse practitioner.
"I am seriously considering going to graduate school at
WVU after I get my feet wet for a year or two," said Steurer. "I
am so grateful to the School of Nursing for my scholarship and
for allowing me to keep achieving my goals."
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