After graduating from Clark in 2015 with a biology degree, GOLD alum Jess Donati went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Northeastern University. We checked in with her to see what she’s up to now.

Where are you now? What have you been doing since graduating from Clark?

I currently live in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. I have been working as a registered nurse (BSN), and I recently graduated from UMass Medical School’s Graduate School of Nursing — I’ll soon begin working as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department at Milford Regional Medical Center.

I have always loved emergency medicine — and can attribute that love to the foundation I built while working on Clark EMS [now called Clark University Rapid Response]!

Along with Clark EMS, what other activities were you involved in?

I served as director of Clark EMS for two years, and I was also involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters. Both opportunities helped give me a well-rounded experience of both Clark and the Worcester community.

What was your favorite class at Clark?

My favorite class, hands down, was Sociology of Medicine with Professor Debbie Merrill. It was an eye-opening class for me — after I took it, I ended up minoring in sociology! It’s a class I still think about often.

Who was your favorite professor?

Professor Merrill. She was the kindest, most thoughtful professor I ever had. She made learning both an experience and a joy. I took many of her classes.

Do you have any career advice for recent Clark graduates?

My best advice is to do what makes you happy. That may sound cliché, but it’s true. And don’t be afraid to try something that may not have been in your original plan — I changed direction, and it was the best decision I ever made!