Dakota Caiafa-Martinez ’27

Blue Key Ambassador

she/her

Major: Nursing
Activities: EMT, Gamma Phi Delta, Valley Hospital Intern
Hometown: Washingtonville, New York
High School: Washingtonville High School

I chose Hartwick because of its many opportunities for nursing majors. The first-year clinical really allowed me to view which type of nursing I would like to go into. There are currently two Hartwick nursing alumni at the hospital where I would like to intern. I’m confident that connection will help me in the future.

The Nursing Simulation Lab can be scary at first (it certainly was for me!), but with the help of the staff and the amazing Greta I have been able to perform all my skills efficiently. One time that really stuck out for me is when I was having trouble with med calc. My first year I was struggling, but the staff sat with me and we worked through practice questions. The personalized attention helped me so much that I got a 94 on the med calc test!!

Gamma Phi Delta does a lot of philanthropic work for the Oneonta community. Our most recent project was a blood drive with the Red Cross. We did tabling outside of the Commons dining hall to promote the blood drive and help people to sign up to donate.