More Than the Classroom: Kennedy Krug Is Building a Well-Rounded Nursing Experience at USC
Originally from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Kennedy Krug came to the University of South Carolina drawn to its competitive and rigorous nursing program. As a nursing major, she knew she wanted a career centered on helping others, but she also understood that becoming a successful healthcare professional would require more than what she could learn in a classroom. Through hospital volunteering, undergraduate research and student leadership, Kennedy has taken advantage of opportunities across campus to explore different areas of healthcare and develop the skills she hopes to carry into her future career.
One of the most meaningful parts of her USC experience has been her involvement with Galen Health Fellows, a living-learning community (LLC) designed for students interested in healthcare. Through guest speakers, networking opportunities and hands-on activities, the program has allowed her to explore different healthcare professions while connecting with students and professionals who share similar interests.
After hearing from two Prisma Health physicians who visited Galen, Kennedy was inspired to reach out to Prisma Volunteer Services and begin volunteering at a nearby hospital. She now volunteers one four-hour shift each week on the medical-surgical oncology floor, where she assists patients, spends time with them and observes nurses throughout their shifts.
For Kennedy, the experience has reinforced that patient care extends beyond medical treatment. One interaction with an older patient particularly shaped her understanding of what it means to be a nurse.
“That interaction really spoke to me because caring for a patient isn't just about their medical needs. Caring for them on an emotional level is also really important in patient care,” Kennedy said.
The patient, who was recovering from surgery without family nearby, asked Kennedy to sit with her because she reminded her of her granddaughter. Kennedy spent time reading to her and listening to her stories. Before she left, the woman told her how much better the visit had made her feel.
“That interaction really spoke to me because caring for a patient isn't just about their medical needs. Caring for them on an emotional level is also really important in patient care,” Kennedy said.
Her experience at Prisma has also introduced her to different areas of nursing that she had not previously considered. Initially interested in pediatric care, Kennedy began exploring oncology after volunteering on the hospital floor and becoming involved in research focused on lung cancer. Seeing the work of healthcare professionals firsthand has helped her recognize new possibilities for her future.
Alongside her volunteer work, Kennedy has taken on a leadership role within Galen Health Fellows as a member of its administrative team, where she focuses on public relations. She helps promote the program, create flyers and brochures, participate in tabling events and introduce prospective students to the opportunities available through the LLC.
Through this position, she has learned the importance of helping other students find their place in healthcare. She emphasizes that students do not need to know exactly which profession they want to pursue before getting involved. Instead, programs like Galen allow them to explore different interests, meet professionals and discover opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.
Her involvement with Galen also opened the door to undergraduate research. With support from a Galen research grant, Kennedy began working with Dr. Amanda Dyer in the College of Nursing, where she conducts research focused on lung cancer. She meets with her mentor every other week to discuss her progress and has since gained additional opportunities to collaborate with others in a cancer research center.
For Kennedy, research has been an important way to expand her understanding of healthcare beyond her coursework. Classes provide a foundation in subjects such as anatomy and physiology. Research allows her to explore specific interests, develop relationships with faculty and gain a better understanding of the many directions a nursing career can take.
"I've learned to use my voice and explore more opportunities on campus.”
She encourages other students to consider undergraduate research, even if the process initially feels intimidating. Whether students are interested in conducting a review, assisting with a study or developing their own research project, she believes there are opportunities to explore a wide range of interests.
The combination of her experiences at Prisma, Galen Health Fellows and the College of Nursing has helped Kennedy develop skills that extend beyond clinical knowledge. She credits these opportunities with strengthening her confidence, responsibility and empathy.
“Instead of being timid and not reaching out to people, I've learned to use my voice and explore more opportunities on campus,” Kennedy said.
Learning to advocate for herself has encouraged her to reach out to mentors, contact organizations and pursue leadership opportunities. At the same time, working directly with patients has strengthened her ability to listen, show compassion and recognize the importance of supporting people through difficult experiences.
As she prepares to apply for the upper-division nursing program, Kennedy hopes to continue shadowing nurses, gaining research experience and becoming more involved in community volunteering. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse who considers not only a patient's medical needs but also their emotional and psychological well-being and the needs of their family caregivers.
She also credits the USC Career Center with helping her establish a foundation for these opportunities. After scheduling a resume appointment during her freshman year, she felt more prepared to apply for volunteer positions and research opportunities. She encourages other students to take advantage of Career Center resources early in their college experience, rather than waiting until graduation approaches.
“Find that balance, and everything is going to be okay. Learn to be more flexible, courageous, and resilient.”
Her advice to students who are unsure where to begin is to get involved, make connections and do not be afraid to reach out.
“Don't be afraid to take on hard things,” Kennedy said, reflecting on what she would tell her freshman self. “Find that balance, and everything is going to be okay. Learn to be more flexible, courageous, and resilient.”
Through her involvement across USC, Kennedy has discovered that building a career in healthcare is about more than choosing a major. It is about gaining experience, exploring interests and learning from the people around you. By taking advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, she is building a well-rounded college experience that is helping her become a more confident, compassionate and prepared future nurse.