Rebecca Barrere had spent a decade in teaching in Louisiana before deciding to change gears when her family moved to Dahlonega, Georgia. After a brief time outside the workforce, she decided to become a nurse.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) helped pave the way for the career switch when she graduated with a BSN in May 2022. Experiencing the structure at UNG was beneficial on this new journey.

"The professors are very well organized," Barrere said. "Having been a teacher, I appreciated that a lot."

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native was also grateful for the smaller class sizes compared with Louisiana State University, where she earned her teaching degree.

"It's more approachable," she said. "You feel like more of a person than just a number."

She enjoyed the way UNG's nursing program gave her hands-on opportunities as a student.

"The professors really know what they're talking about. They do a really good job bringing in examples," Barrere said. "The simulation lab helps you with real-world scenarios."

Barrere now works in the medical-surgical unit at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin.