Marilee Kitzmiller, a Bachelor of Science in nursing major from Keyser, was recently
presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University
Potomac State College by Campus President Chris Gilmer.
Marilee Kitzmiller, a Bachelor of Science in nursing major from Keyser, was recently presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
According to Nursing Professor Diana Niland, “Marilee has a sincere and kind demeanor. She always includes others by inviting them to join in activities. She exhibits a positive attitude, despite the many stressors she has faced and has a natural talent for baking, which is much appreciated by all. Marilee creates a genuinely happy atmosphere wherever she goes.”
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
“Everyone probably has challenges to overcome throughout college. One of the challenges I’ve struggled with was the passing of family members, which was very hard for me to overcome. Learning to cope with these losses and keeping up with my studies was very hard, but over time, these challenges have made me a stronger person and taught me life lessons,” Kitzmiller said. She also credits the nursing faculty with teaching her important life lessons that she’ll use in her future career.
“Psychology Professor Molly Alvero has been instrumental in helping me succeed as well at Potomac State. She’s treated me with great kindness and like all my instructors, is eager to see me thrive,” she added.
Kitzmiller is an active member of the college’s Campus Crusade for Christ group and Faith Community Health and Wellness. In addition to her nursing studies, she works two jobs and will be interning at UPMC this summer.
Kitzmiller also enjoys giving back to her community. She volunteered during her freshman and sophomore years at Keyser High School with the boy’s cross-country team; promoted the College’s nursing program; and assisted with campus activities at the College during the summer.
Kitzmiller stated that she chose Potomac State because it’s close to home which allows her to bond with the people she interacts with at church and enables her to make new friends. “I see the nursing program as my calling,” she said.
After completing her junior and senior years and graduating from PSC, Kitzmiller plans to pursue a career in labor and delivery, and eventually continue her education to become a midwife.
A quote from President Theodore Roosevelt, “Nothing worth having comes easy” is the inspiration that keeps Kitzmiller going.
“At the end of this journey it will be worth the sweat, stress, and tears. Every time I’m faced with a difficult class or situation, I remind myself of that quote,” she said.
Kitzmiller believes that regardless of the challenges they face, students should enjoy every moment of their college journey by embracing this new chapter of their life and making it theirs.
“Study hard, but still leave some time for yourself to rest and enjoy the growing world around you. You are going to do great things – just you wait and see,” Kitzmiller offered.