Originally from Alabama, USA - Alyna’s journey into nursing didn’t follow a traditional path. She moved to Bournemouth, England in her early teens with her father and found life in the UK was a big change. But despite her initial struggles, it did give her space to explore who she wanted to be.
Alyna says:
“At first, I thought I was going to be a music teacher, as I’d always loved playing instruments and thought that was the route I’d take. But when my mental health declined, everything came to a halt.
“Taking time away from college allowed me to prioritise my mental wellbeing. Eventually, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, which were turning points that reshaped my outlook on life. It was a tough time, but also the start of something new and gave me a different direction to work towards. I began working in healthcare just before COVID hit, and something just clicked. I wanted to help others in the same way that I had been helped.
“I returned to education through an Access to Nursing course and passing that was a huge moment for me. I’d spent years unsure of what was next, and suddenly I had this amazing goal, which was to become a nurse.
“When the time came to choosing which university I wanted to attend, I knew that I needed more than just a good academic course. I was looking for somewhere that felt like home, where I could study hard, but still have access to nature, a slower pace, and a supportive community. That’s how I found Swansea.
“I quickly fell in love with the city as you’ve got everything right on your doorstep, shops, green spaces and even beaches. It’s peaceful, but not boring and reminded me of Alabama in a strange way. Plus, I even got married in Wales, in a treehouse in a sheep field in Powys!
“University life brought new friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging. When I was younger, I didn’t always surround myself with the best people. But in Swansea, I’ve made lifelong friends. As someone who is classed as a disabled student, I was even able to access the extra support through my bursary, which included specialist software and mental health services. That support made university feel manageable and I found that my learning experience was completely different from school, where I often felt left behind.
“My clinical placements were just as formative as I’ve worked in various locations ranging from Glangwili Hospital, to community nursing and even theatres in Morriston Hospital, embracing every opportunity I’ve been fortunate enough to experience. I made a point of telling my lecturers I wanted to experience theatre nursing, as I felt that was where my true purpose and passion laid. They listened to my request and were able to send me to Morriston Hospital, which is where I started my first job, which I absolutely love.
“My placements have helped me understand both the technical and human sides of nursing as I’ve seen patients come in feeling vulnerable and then go through surgery or treatment and leave stronger. That journey and being a part of it, is incredibly rewarding.
“Transitioning from private care into the NHS was also eye-opening. I had this mental image of nurses being very prim and proper. But when I got into placements, I realised nurses are just like me - fun, passionate, a little messy sometimes, but always committed to the job at hand.
“I also appreciated the exposure to Welsh culture and language that comes from working and living in Wales, especially in more rural settings. In Glangwili, more people spoke Welsh, and as someone who grew up in America, I found that beautiful. It gave me insight into the culture of the people of Wales in a way I didn’t expect.
“One of the biggest challenges I found during my degree was balancing study, work, and a social life. I didn’t want to be somewhere where nightlife took over and became too much of a distraction, so Swansea was perfect for that. It’s social, but not overwhelming. I could study, go out, and even help feed baby cows with a friend after class!
“Now that I’m a qualified adult nurse working in operating theatres, I have achieved my dream job. But I’m not stopping there, I am also passionate about representation and visibility in healthcare. If I’d seen someone with blue hair and tattoos like me working in the NHS when I was younger, I might have pursued this career sooner. I want to be that person for someone else.
“I have even started thinking about ways to combine creativity and healthcare, from alternative-themed scrub caps to advocacy projects. I’d love to see the NHS reflect the diversity of the people it serves, including people from different cultures, people with disabilities, and those who don’t fit a traditional mould.
“For future students, my advice is simple: Do it! Nursing can open so many doors and even if it turns out not to be the right fit, healthcare is full of other roles that might be. The important thing is just to make that start.
“Reflecting on my journey both professionally and personally, I would say Wales has given me more than a degree. It has given me a second chance, a safe space, and a community that believed in me. It’s not just a place where I happened to study, it is now my home.”