"When you have a goal in mind"

You worked as a chef for many years and took on a lot of responsibility in that role. What inspired you to pursue a new career path?

Angelina Sönser: Even as a child, I wanted to work in the medical field, but my career path initially led me into the restaurant industry, where I eventually became the head chef at a community center. That’s where I gained my first experience in the care sector. During my maternity leave, I also worked for the Mobile Assistance Service (MOHI) and gained deeper insights into caring for people. These experiences brought my original career aspiration back to the forefront. With the birth of my son, I began to rethink my professional future. I realized that I wanted to work with people, do something meaningful, and make my long-cherished dream a reality. That’s how I decided to embark on a completely new path and study Health Care and Nursing.  

Which experiences from your previous career help you the most in your studies today? 

Angelina: My time in the restaurant industry, especially as a kitchen manager, had a profound impact on me. I learned to take responsibility, organize workflows, set priorities, and keep a cool head even in stressful situations. Especially in a kitchen, many things have to run smoothly at the same time, and good teamwork is essential. These skills are a huge help to me today in my studies and during my work placements. In nursing, too, flexibility, the ability to see the big picture, and a solution-oriented approach are important. What I find particularly valuable is the experience of interacting with different people and responding to their individual needs. Although the restaurant industry and nursing are different professional fields, many fundamental skills overlap. I’m benefiting from that today as I embark on my new career path.

Was there a specific experience that sparked your desire to work in healthcare?

Angelina: I had a particularly formative experience while working for the Mobile Assistance Service (MOHI). An emergency situation arose in which a person under our care experienced a heart rhythm disturbance. Interestingly, I didn’t feel overwhelmed in that moment; instead, I was able to stay calm and handle the situation. This experience once again clearly showed me how much I’m interested in medical topics and how important it is to me to be able to help people, especially in difficult situations. At the same time, my desire to better understand the medical background and acquire the necessary expertise to act professionally in such situations grew stronger. The experience reinforced my belief that Health Care and Nursing are the right path for me.  

How does being a mom to a young child shape your journey through college?

Angelina: Being a mom while pursuing a full-time degree is definitely a challenge. My daily life requires a lot of organization, flexibility, and sometimes even a strong nerve. Juggling lectures, work placements, examinations, and family life isn’t always easy. There are days when things don’t go according to plan and you have to improvise. At the same time, being a mom has changed me in many ways. I’ve learned to set priorities, use my time more wisely, and stay patient even in challenging situations. My son is one of my biggest sources of motivation. I want to set an example for him that it’s okay to pursue your dreams, even if the path to them isn’t always easy. Of course, that requires people who support you and have your back. But the combination of family and school, in particular, shows me time and again just how much you can accomplish when you have a goal in mind.

What advice would you give to other young mothers who are thinking about starting college?

Angelina: Go for it! Being a mother doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams and career goals. Of course, going to college with a child isn’t always easy. It takes organization, perseverance, and people who support you. The emotional side is often underestimated. I, too, sometimes feel guilty when I can’t spend as much time with my son because of my studies. You want to be there for your child and follow your own path at the same time. I had to learn that I can’t always do everything 100 percent—and that’s okay. At the same time, we can set a valuable example for our children: that it’s worth fighting for your goals, being brave, and believing in yourself. My advice, therefore, is not to let doubts hold you back, to accept support, and to pay attention to your own needs as well. Things don’t have to go perfectly to achieve great things.

What are your hopes for your professional future?

Angelina: Above all, for my professional future, I hope to be able to combine my passion for medicine with working with people over the long term. I’m particularly fascinated by acute and intensive care because it’s where in-depth expertise, quick action, and teamwork come together. I want to understand medical contexts and apply this knowledge in a targeted way to provide people with the best possible care, even in critical situations. At the same time, it’s important to me never to lose sight of the person behind the medical challenges. For me, professional nursing means not only technical expertise but also empathy and humanity. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I want to continue my continuing education, take on new challenges, and grow both professionally and personally. Nursing offers many opportunities, and I’m excited to see where my path will take me next.

Are you also interested in a bachelor’s degree in Health Care and Nursing? Then learn more here!