A Passion for Nursing That Runs in the Family

By: Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Director, University Communications

For Erin Bobango ‘26 the decision to follow in her mother’s footsteps became a no brainer. She found herself drawn to the nursing profession’s unique blend of purpose and possibility. “My mom is a nurse, and through our talks I’ve really enjoyed hearing her stories. I learned more about nursing and about the stability, flexibility, and ability to truly make a difference every single day,” she explained. “There aren’t many professions like that.”

Bobango started her Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) journey after transferring from University of Delaware her sophomore year. Looking to be closer to home, she found familiarity at a place where her mother also once called home. “She got her master’s from NDMU and loved it,” she says.

Once on campus, it wasn’t just the academics that shaped her experience: it was the people. “The most meaningful part of my journey has been the relationships I’ve built,” she shares. “The professors truly care. They make time to meet with us, whether it’s to go over course content or give advice about starting our careers.” Just as impactful were her peers. “My classmates have been amazing. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Like many nursing students, her time at NDMU came with its share of challenges. Balancing coursework, clinicals, labs, and a personal life required discipline and resilience. “The schedule can get really heavy,” she explains. “It’s not something you can fully grasp just by sitting through a lecture—you need a lot of extra study time to really understand and apply the material.” Through it all, she relied on careful planning and a strong support system. “I wouldn’t have made it without my planner—and my family and friends.”

Faculty mentors played a critical role in her journey, offering both inspiration and practical guidance. She points to Dr. Lyndsay Wright ’19, M’22 as a powerful example of balance and determination. “She’s incredible—working, teaching, training for a marathon, and earning her doctorate [in 2025],” she says. “She really emphasized taking care of yourself while staying on top of everything.”

She also credits Professor Allyssa Capitano M’25 with helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. “She shares real stories that help us understand how the content applies in real life, especially when it comes to ethics and leadership,” she says. “She’s also been so supportive with resumes, job applications—anything we need as we prepare to start our careers.”

Through these experiences, she has not only grown academically, but personally. “I’ve gained a new perspective on life,” she reflects. “Clinicals expose you to so many different situations. It’s made me really grateful and has changed how I respond to challenges. You can either let setbacks bring you down or learn from them and do better next time.”

Now, as graduation approaches, she has her sights set on the next step: becoming an ICU nurse. While she is still exploring job opportunities, she is excited by the possibilities ahead. “There are so many hospitals in the area—it’s a great position to be in,” she says.

Looking further into the future, she remains open to where her career may lead. “I might go back to school someday,” she says. “I’ve thought about becoming a nurse practitioner or a CRNA [certified registered nurse anesthetist], but right now I want to focus on building my skills and figuring out what I truly enjoy.”

As she prepares to close this chapter, it’s the everyday moments and the people she knows she’ll miss most. “I’ll really miss my friends from the program,” she says. “We’ve seen each other multiple times a week for two years. That kind of support system is so special, it made me feel like I was never doing this alone.”

Her advice for those just beginning their journey is simple, but heartfelt: “Don’t give up. It will feel overwhelming at times, and you might feel like you’re failing—but keep going. Focus on truly understanding the material, take care of yourself, and trust that it will all be worth it in the end.”

With a strong foundation, a passion for patient care, and a commitment to lifelong learning, she is ready to take that next step—one that will allow her to make a difference, every single day.

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.