A Passion to Help Others
There are two things that are very important to Patrick Long – his family and the ability to help other people.
For the senior from Gretna, Nebraska, Midland University has been the ideal fit for being close to family and pursuing his passion for nursing.
“It was really the combination of being close to my family, the nursing program, and getting the chance to play soccer that led me to Midland. I couldn’t have found a better match.”
As his high school soccer career progressed, Patrick realized he was capable of playing at the next level. He also wanted to make sure he could compete somewhere his family could continue watching and supporting him. “My family, especially my grandparents, were my biggest fans growing up, and going somewhere they could watch me play was a big factor in my decision. My grandma passed away prior to my sophomore year at Midland, so I’m very grateful she got to watch me play that first year.”
With his mom being a physical therapist, Patrick always had visions of entering the medical field in some form. That motivation was reinforced when Covid-19 hit in 2020. “Nursing became such a big part of our lives during that time, and you would see all over social media about nurses making such a big impact, and I think that’s when it started to get in my head.
“My grandma spent a lot of time in the hospital her last years, and I constantly saw how nurses were making her day better, and making the family’s day better. I heard great things about the nursing program at Midland and had a great interview with the staff during my college search process.”
His desire to help others was fueled when he began working as a Certified Nurse Assistant at the Nebraska Medical Center. “Being a CNA really cultivated my passion to help make someone’s day a little better. If I can put a smile on someone’s face while they’re in the hospital, that makes my day 10 times better.”
Patrick confronted health issues of his own this fall as injuries kept him on the sidelines for the majority of his senior campaign. But Patrick, who was an All-District and NAIA Scholar Athlete his junior year, found he could still be a valuable member of the squad from the sidelines. “I love seeing the game from a tactical perspective, and I was able to do that from the sidelines. I was able to be a cheerleader and work to keep the energy level up for the team, so I could still make an impact somewhere.”
As he approaches the final semester of his time at Midland, he looks back with great memories of everything he has accomplished, especially through his work in the nursing program. “I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Our class in the nursing program has been so close and has gone through all the struggles together. I’ve made lifelong friends, and I’m so thankful for that.
“Even through the stressful times, I’ve loved every minute of my time here. I’m thankful for the man I’ve become.”
Patrick Long is a senior Nursing major from Gretna, Nebraska.
