For most students, attending college and making the commitment to grow academically is a large sacrifice, but for Newman University graduate Sophia Kassita ‘24, it was a transatlantic journey.
Kassita, a Tanzanian native, graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her path to Newman began after she graduated from Butler Community College and explored other local colleges to continue her education. Ultimately, her decision to attend Newman was solidified by the passionate spiritual community and the small class sizes.
Despite the challenges that come with studying internationally, Kassita quickly found her place on campus through prior friendships with other Newman students. Additionally, the Catholic community deeply resonated with her as she had previously attended faith-based institutions.
“It wasn’t that big of a difference, honestly. It just felt like home,” she remarked.
She recalls her favorite days at Newman: Jet Fridays. Kassita enjoyed grabbing a complimentary donut and coffee on her way to class.
Kassita had initially planned to study and work toward a business career. However, after her father had a stroke while she was in high school, her life was permanently altered. With her mother’s help, Kassita was a primary caretaker for her father until she left Tanzania for college. In 2019, her mother also fell very ill.
Being abroad, Kassita was not able to visit her mother in the hospital, so she relied heavily on communication from the nurses caring for her mother.
You take a moment and look back at your journey and you’re like, ‘Oh, it was all worth it.'”
Sophia Kassita ’24
During this time, Kassita was reminded of her mother’s suggestion that she should pursue nursing. She took that experience as a sign to become a nurse, where she could help families understand their loved one’s care.
Kassita’s mother and father continued to have health complications during her time at Newman. Halfway into her first year, her father died. Kassita made the difficult decision to pause her education while she traveled back home to spend time with her family. Through this, Kassita found support from the former Director of Nursing Teresa Vetter.
“When I had communicated with her, she was very supportive. She assured me of my (decision),” Kassita explained. “I felt very supported … not only in that semester where I had issues but also throughout the semesters whenever I had issues.”
Kassita emphasized the close relationships that students can build with their professors at Newman.
“It’s like a small family that you create,” she said. “They know your journey, they know your struggles.”
For Kassita, graduation represented more than simply a ceremony; it was a culmination of years of effort and difficulties paying off.
“You take a moment and look back at your journey and you’re like, ‘Oh, it was all worth it,’” Kassita commented.
Kassita currently works at Wesley Medical Center in the intensive care unit. She intends to eventually explore other fields of nursing while building her career.
Nursing at Newman
At Newman University, students will learn how to provide quality, equitable care for each of their future patients.
