Lucy Hobbs came to the University of Wisconsin already knowing she wanted to study nursing so she could make a positive difference in the lives of others. Once she was on campus, she realized she could make an even greater impact on her future patients by adding a second major (专业), one in Spanish.

“I was drawn to nursing because I want a career that will be fulfilling and will help me serve others,” says Hobbs. “I chose to add a major in Spanish because I love learning about other cultures, and I want to do something for those easily ignored populations in my nursing career.”

In addition to her nursing and Spanish curriculum, Hobbs found multiple interesting ways to bring her majors together, including things like research and study abroad. Hobbs was part of a research project that is documenting the experiences of Spanish-speaking populations in western Wisconsin during Covid-19. The research team included students and teachers in languages, history and nursing.

In addition to her research,studying abroad was also helpful. She spent part of the spring 2020 semester studying in Costa Rica. “This was my first time outside of the U.S. and I learned so much about Costa Rican culture,” Hobbs says.

While she found many opportunities within her majors, Hobbs also had meaningful experiences on campus that were outside of nursing and Spanish. For example, she worked as a resident assistant in the dorms and is a member of the University Honors Program. “All these experiences helped me to enhance my time on campus by giving me opportunities to meet amazing and inspiring individuals who I believe will remain lifetime friends,”

Hobbs says, “All these experiences also helped to shape how I think about the future.” After she graduates in May, Hobbs will begin her nursing career working in the emergency room at UW Health’s University Hospital in Madison.

Raised in a fatherless home, my father was extremely tightfisted towards us children. His attitude didn’t soften as I grew into adulthood and drifted away to college. I had to ride the bus whenever I came home. Though the bus stopped about two miles from home, Dad never met me, even in cold weather. If I grumbled (嘟囔 ), he’d say in his loudest father voice, “That’s what your legs are for!”

The walk didn’t bother me as much as the fear of walking alone along the highway and country roads. I also felt less than valued that my father didn’t seem concerned about my safety. That feeling was canceled one spring evening.

It had been a particularly difficult week at college after long hours in labs. I longed for home. When the bus reached a stop, I stepped off and dragged my suitcase to begin the long journey home.

A row of hedge (篱笆) edged the driveway that climbed the hill to our house. Once I had turned off the highway to start the last lap of my journey, I was always relieved to see the hedge because it meant that I was almost home. On that particular evening, the hedge had just come into view when I saw something gray moving along the top of the hedge, moving toward the house. Upon closer observation, I realized it was the top of my father’s head. Then I knew, each time I’d come home, he had stood behind the hedge, watching, until he knew I had arrived safely. I swallowed hard against the threatening tears. He did care, after all.

On later visits, that spot of gray became my watchtower. I could hardly wait until I was close enough to watch for its secret movement above the greenery. Upon reaching home, I would find my father sitting innocently in his chair. “So! My son, it’s you!” he’d say, his face lengthening into pretended surprise.

I replied, “Yes, Dad, it’s me. I’m home.”