Olivia’s Path to St. Joe’s
Prior to attending St. Joseph’s University, New York, Olivia Cioffi ’26 was undecided on what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. During her time at Sachem High School North, she went back and forth between education, criminal justice or a career in health care. It wasn’t until the beginning of her senior year that she decided on nursing.
Core Memories
As a four-year member and captain of SJNY’s Long Island Dance Team, some of her favorite memories come from being a student-athlete.
“One of my favorite experiences was going to UDA nationals with my dance team every year,” said Cioffi. “It just makes all the work we put into the season worth it, and we get to show everyone in Florida what we have been working so hard on.”
As a nursing major, she credits the nursing department for her readiness to take the NCLEX exam.
“SJNY gave me the materials and information that I needed to help me pass the NCLEX, as well as the opportunity to go to hospitals and work with patients. My clinical rotations exposed me to a variety of healthcare settings, helping me become more confident and adaptable,” Cioffi said.
She continued, “Working alongside nurses taught me the importance of collaboration and patient advocacy. I also learned how to prioritize care, manage time effectively and respond to real-life situations in a fast-paced environment.”
Olivia’s Inspiration
As she prepares to walk the stage at commencement this month, she is thinking of her family that has always been there and shown her unconditional support in all her endeavors. After graduation, Cioffi plans on taking the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse and achieve her goal of working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Advice for Students
“One piece of advice I would give is to not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s reaching out to professors, classmates, or tutors, college is a place to learn, and it is ok if you need help in your classes. Building relationships with your professors can also make a big difference, especially if you need guidance with assignments. Keeping your goals in mind will also help you stay focused and push through difficult moments. College is a big chapter in your life, so make the most of it and be proud of how far you’ve come.”
