my.CSMD
Real Story: Bree Kekesi
Bree Kekesi
Class of 2023, Pre-Professional Health Science
Current Position: Vascular Nurse, Surgical Associates
Transfer Institution: Towson University Class of 2025, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Accolades, Accomplishments, and Highlights: School of Health Sciences Student Speaker; Secretary, Prince Frederick Campus Association; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
I would say, deep down, that I’m an advocate, both for myself and others. I’ve come a long way, and I wouldn’t be where I am if it hadn’t been for where I started. CSM helped shape me into who I am, professionally and personally.
I was raised in Southern Maryland, growing up in Calvert County. I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) while I was still in high school, then started my college career at CSM.
I’ve known that I wanted to work in healthcare since I was in first grade. It was when I did my externship in the labor and delivery unit, though, that I thought, “Oh my gosh, yes. This is what I want to do with my life.”
It’s a common misconception that anything related to obstetrics and pediatrics is all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve had deliveries that have gone great, and I’ve had days that have been really difficult. But even when it’s tough, it’s enthralling. There’s nothing else like it in the world.
It’s a really important role. You don’t just have one patient; you’ve got two, or maybe more. Regardless of whether things are going smoothly or not, they need you, and I’m incredibly grateful to be there for people.
CSM prepared me incredibly well for that responsibility. The professors I had helped me learn how to care for people at their highest and lowest moments, when they’re at their most vulnerable. My experiences helped me grow into the person I am today and made me a better nurse.
All of my instructors were working nurses, and there's no substitute for learning from the firsthand experience of someone who's doing the work everyday.
It's also such a supportive environment. My professors weren't just teachers; they were mentors. Dr. Melanie Osterhouse was incredibly important to me during at my time in CSM. My journey into nursing really started when I took my prerequisite courses with her. I consider her my first academic mentor and I hope that she would be proud to see how far I have come.
CSM gave me the confidence to chase my dreams, and because of that, I'm applying for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs for neonatology.
I worked for CSM as a student employee for two years, and the experience is near and dear to my heart. For me, it set the standard for what a positive work environment should be. Moreover, it helped me develop my bedside manner and social skills. I worked in Student Engagement, so I interacted with a lot of students, both over the phone and in person, and for a lot of people I was the first point of contact. At first, I was pretty introverted, and that experience definitely helped me come out of my shell a little bit.
My advice for anyone who wants to earn their bachelor’s degree after graduation is to start thinking about your transfer school early in your college career and map out your schedule based on the school you choose. It's important to have a plan in place for a smooth transition to your bachelor’s degree program.
Looking back, I would’ve told myself to live life to the fullest and that the steps I was taking at CSM would better my life in so many ways that I hope I can repay.
Bree Kekesi Spring 2023 Commencement speech:
Last updated: 7-17-25