It’s easy to feel like an island in nursing school. You spend long, lonely hours studying, worrying, and pulling your hair out. Thoughts of your next exam, the tough class you still have to pass, and your pinning ceremony (yes!) float around in your head on a daily basis. It can be intimidating, exciting, and scary all at the same time. Well, don’t fear, for you are not alone. And to prove it, we asked a future nurse (just like you) a few questions about the world of nursing. Would you answer them the same way?

Here’s a quick chat with Carolyn Ryan, a 1st-year master’s nursing student at Boston College:

In five words or less, why do you want to be a nurse?
Make difference in people’s lives.
What one thing do you need to do everyday before your first class?
Have a cup of coffee.
What’s your favorite color scrubs?
We have to wear maroon. They’re not that bad, but they’re hard to find in stores. I think I’d prefer blue.
What’s the toughest class you’ve taken at nursing school?
Nursing Science. It’s an accelerated adult med-surg course, so there is a TON of info.
What’s the best way to study for a test?
I make flashcards. It helps me organize my notes, and writing things out helps me to remember them.
On a scale from 1-10, how nervous are you about the NCLEX?
Right now, about a 5, but I think as it gets closer I’ll start worrying more.
When you need to relieve stress, what do you do?
I clean. If I try to do anything fun like shopping, I end up just thinking about all the schoolwork I should be doing. At least with cleaning I can convince myself that I’m still being productive.
If you weren’t studying to be a nurse, what other profession would you like to try?
Right now my dad is opening a distillery. I think making/selling alcohol could be really fun, but probably not as rewarding as nursing.
What’s the first thing you’ll do on graduation day?
Probably take a nap. I feel like I won’t have time to take one until then.
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
Working as a Family Nurse Practitioner and raising a family of my own.