“My mom is one of my biggest inspirations. She, and her nursing friends, have guided me and inspired me to pursue a nursing degree,” says BS in Nursing student Dare Otesanya. “It took quite a lot of steps to get to where my mother is today, so I’m extremely proud of her.”
Originally from Nigeria, his mother emigrated to the US in the early 2000s, leaving him and his brother behind with friends and family.
“She lost her job in Nigeria, and she struggled to care for me and brother,” he says. “She had the opportunity to come to the US, make something out of herself, and make a better life.”
For about seven years, Otesanya and his mother were separated. They were reunited in 2009. His mom had worked several jobs, including working as a CNA and LPN until she earned her nursing degree in 2012.
After graduating from Hinkley High School in Aurora, Otesanya attended Metropolitan State University and earned a BS in Biology. He hoped to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant but was unsure where his path in life was taking him.
“I had to reflect a little bit and decide what my core values were,” he says.
Finding a Mentor
Once Otesanya had that realization, he had a chance encounter with the second person who solidified his desire to become a nurse. Working at a plasma donation center in Lakewood, he met CU Nursing alumnus Chris Battelli.
He and Battelli started talking about nursing and CU Nursing, and Otesanya knew he had found the school for him.
“He mentioned how great the faculty were and how accommodating they were to students and that sealed the deal for me. I’ve always had this dream to attend the University of Colorado and CU Nursing,” he says. “I knew if I got another opportunity to go back to school, I knew CU Nursing would be my number one choice.”
After enrolling in the Accelerated BS in Nursing program, Otesanya continued to reach out to Battelli who helped him through difficult parts of the UCAN program.
“He’s been an amazing mentor. I was struggling with a cardiac lecture in the first month of the UCAN program, and he was in town, so we met for coffee and he explained it to me and gave me tips on how to grasp concepts a little better,” he says. “I feel comfortable talking to him because he can relate to me. He calls to check up on me. When we first met, we just clicked, and he’s someone who’s been in my life for such a long time.”
Having a Creative Outlet
According to Otesanya, “The UCAN program is so fast-paced that it really helps to have someone who’s been through it before to guide you.”
Otesanya also relies on creative outlets like photography, videography, and music for balance.
“I like to challenge myself and find new hobbies,” he says.
It’s something he encourages all nursing students to do – along with finding a good support system.
“Whenever you feel stressed, a hobby or activity helps take your mind off things and it gives you a break every once in a while,” he says.
“My support system is one thing that’s gotten me through the program. My classmates and I text in group chats and we hang out outside of school,” he adds. “And ask faculty for help and use your resources, including finding a mentor, because the UCAN program is going to be a year from hell, but it’s all worth it in the end.”
