For Kent State University’s nursing student, Eva Resek, compassion isn’t just a part of her education; it’s the heart of it. As a third-year student from Columbus, OH, she came to Kent State drawn by the university’s renowned nursing program and opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. From studying abroad in Florence to mentoring her peers at the Honors College, Resek has found that every experience deepens her understanding of caring for others.
“I came to Kent State for the nursing program and study abroad opportunities,” Resek said. “Last semester, I studied at the Florence Health Institute, and it was amazing to see how healthcare systems work differently across the world.”
Resek has completed clinical rotations at Summa Health and Akron General, gaining firsthand experience in cardiology and neurology units.
She discovered the PALS program through Kent State’s nursing student Canvas page, where opportunities like volunteer work and internships are regularly shared. Each volunteer is referred to as a partner and is paired with a person with Down syndrome through the national 501(c) (3) PALS program. Together, the student and their “pal,” spend a week living in college dorms, participating in activities and building community.
“I was a partner, and my pal, Taylor, was 27,” said Resek. “We lived together at John Carroll University, which really promotes independence for participants. It’s their week to live away from home, make friends, and just experience life as young adults.”
Throughout their time at camp, Resek and Taylor went on multiple field trips to various places around Cleveland, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Museum of Illusions and the Cleveland Aquarium. They also went swimming and participated in friendly competitions during the Camp Olympics.
“It’s like you’re working the whole time because you’re sleeping in the same room, eating together and preparing for your day together,” Resek said. “You are responsible for making sure your pal takes their medications. As a nursing student, I’m already thinking about meeting the needs of patients, so this came naturally for me.”
Resek said one of the most meaningful parts of the week was writing congratulatory letters. She explained that when it is discovered a baby will be born with Down syndrome, some healthcare professionals may say, “I’m sorry, your child has Down syndrome.”
“The idea is we want to flip the narrative and say congratulations,” she said.
The partner, or pal, writes a letter showing the expecting parents that living a successful, joyful and independent life is possible despite the stigma surrounding Down syndrome.
“It makes you feel good to know that you’re creating memorable experiences for somebody else, but at the same time, I also got so much out of this experience,” Resek said.
Resek also shadowed in a pediatric urgent care center near Columbus this summer. She said it differed significantly from the clinicals she had done in hospital ER settings.
“As a nurse, you‘re going to engage with patients who come from everywhere,” Resek said. “Since I’m interested in pediatrics, I thought working with people with different cognitive abilities or development levels would be good. I am grateful this experience helped me to connect and interact with people from different backgrounds.”
Resek is expected to graduate in 2027 and plans to work in pediatric nursing in Columbus, Ohio.
