For Zoe Gilsenan, a South Africa encounter with a lion pride etched a memory that underscores her pursuit of experiences with meaning, adventure, and purpose—a quality that she also brings to her nursing journey at the UF College of Nursing.
Growing up in Fernandina Beach with roots in South Africa, Gilsenan has visited the country several times, experiencing the famed African wildlife, including four of the “Big Five.” But it was her encounter with a lion pride that left a lasting impression.
“We were on a game drive early in the morning. We saw something on the road coming toward us,” she recalled.
Out of the mist came a massive lioness leading her pride.
“You could see her breath in the cool morning air. She walked right by, gave us a look, and continued on her way,” Gilsenan said.
For Gilsenan, UF’s nursing program represents an adventure that will define her life.
“The nursing profession is something I would feel honored to be a part of,” she said. “I feel like it is a higher calling to pursue something that will be truly fulfilling.”
And UF is the only place she wanted to be to pursue her goal.
“I recognized that UF was the top university in Florida and home to the best nursing school in the state,” Gilsenan said. “I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity. I knew it was the best quality of education that I could ask for.”
Health care is a family tradition for first-year BSN student. Her mother, Vernellie Booyens, is a UF College of Pharmacy graduate, and her aunt is a nurse and midwife. An experience alongside her aunt this past summer solidified her interest in labor and delivery nursing.
“This past summer, my cousin had her first baby. My aunt and I were there. It was an incredible experience. That experience solidified my passion for nursing and interest in labor and delivery,” she said.
She finds pregnancy and childbirth particularly fascinating, especially how the mother’s body adapts to nurture a new life. While her goal is to work with patients in labor and delivery, she values the flexibility nursing offers should her interests evolve.
“Nursing is such a sweet deal,” she said. “There are so many paths you can take. We can go anywhere and have the freedom to pursue many different interests, which is an exciting and unique aspect of nursing.”
Her first semester has also deepened the bond with her mother. “When we covered pharmacy, I got to talk to her about that. It was great to share that with her,” she said.
While the academic workload is challenging and the faculty expects excellence, what stands out most to her is the care and dedication of her professors.
“It’s been incredibly fulfilling,” she said. “The professors are so considerate. They genuinely put in their best effort to make sure our schedules work well. I’ve felt very cared for and supported.”