From Biology Student to Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The choice to attend Converse was basically a no-brainer for Christine Hendershott Blair ’08. She was drawn to Converse’s acclaimed Biology department, low faculty-to-student ratio and our state-of-the-art science facilities. After graduating from Converse with a BS in Biology she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University.

But it was Converse that provided Christine with the strong foundation which steered her career path to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and All Better Pediatrics, where she is a perfect fit in her role as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Here’s more about Christine’s experience, in her words:

Why Converse?

“I initially chose to attend Converse and study biology because I was in love with Dr. Steele and knew that she would be a fabulous adviser, and because the new Phifer Science Hall building was drop-dead gorgeous and I wanted to study there 24/7 (which I pretty much did all four years I was there).

I stayed at Converse for the same reasons and for so many more. I came to realize that studying the sciences where every faculty member was passionate, the faculty-to-student ratio was unbeatable, and the hands-on experience was exceptional just couldn’t be found anywhere else.”

Converse’s Impact

“Being a Converse graduate prepared me for a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. It gave me an excellent education in the sciences, confidence, a passion for pursuing life-long learning, and ample leadership skills.

I have practiced as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since I graduated from Vanderbilt’s program in 2012. I have worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, and at a private outpatient pediatric clinic most recently. I love my career and am thankful to Converse for providing me a solid foundation in the sciences and a belief in my abilities to be a successful individual.”