Nursing is the family business; Siena has become the family college.
When Audrey Higgins '26 (above, left) was younger, she would tag along with her mom to work. Audrey's mom is a nurse and has spent much of her career caring for patients in a nursing facility. Audrey, by extension, formed relationships with the patients and developed a passion for the vocation. Audrey's paternal grandmother was also a nurse and Audrey she would frequently hear stories about her experiences, often rewarding, in the profession. Unsurprisingly, Audrey decided to pursing nursing as well, and when it came to choosing a college, that was easy - she just followed her big brother's lead.
"I have a video that I took at home when I was on a break during my freshman year. I unzip my duffel bag, and Audrey pops out," said Aiden Higgins '24 (above, middle). "I'd share it with for the SCoop, but Audrey won't let me."
Before Audrey had a chance to follow her mom and grandma's lead, her older brother beat her to it. Aiden was very close with his mema, and when she passed away during his senior year of high school, Aiden was rocked by the loss. He spent a lot of time that spring reflecting on their relationship and her life. Ultimately, and unexpectedly, that reflection pointed him toward a future in nursing.
"My mom and my grandma are the two people I looked up to in the world the most. Plus, the greatest people in the world are nurses. When I was accepted to Siena I figured, if they're putting their trust in me, I'm going to show Siena what I'm capable of."
The Yonkers native was the first member of his family to pick Siena, but now they're lining up. Audrey initially thought she would attend nursing school in the south, but Aiden's experience change her mind.
"It was a huge factor that he was already here. He's someone to look up to. If I need help or I'm having a breakdown, or if my car won't start because my friend borrowed it and left a light on, I can call Aiden. If I don't do well on a test, he reminds me that everything will be fine. I room with two nurses, and I always tell them, 'If my brother got through this, we can too!'"
Now welcome Brian to the story (above, right). Aiden and Audrey's younger brother is a senior at Fordham Prep in the Bronx and attended Siena's Open House in November. And yes, he's planning to pursue nursing.
"Audrey has played a big influence in my decision to pursue nursing and so has Aiden," Brian said. "Before Aiden started at Siena, he had no experience. But I talk to him now, and I think, 'This guy knows a lot!'"
Brian was impressed by Siena's nursing facilities and said he's narrowed his college choice down to two: Siena and SUNY Maritime. Aiden, meanwhile, will graduate in May and hopes to land a job in the ICU at Albany Med. Audrey would like to work as a flight nurse in New York City several years from now, transporting patients via helicopter. Brian has designs of becoming a pararescueman in the Air Force.
Combined, their mom and grandmother have easily cared for thousands of patients. Their biggest impact on the world, though, might just come from the next generation within their own family they've inspired.
The Siena Experience
"It has definitely been worth it. I've formed deep connections with the instructors at Siena and at Belanger. You grow with them, and they take pride in educating you. I couldn't have asked for a better group of instructors."
Aiden Higgins '24
"I love it here. I think I'm probably more involved than Aiden. I like going to the basketball games, and I take pictures for Athletics. And I really appreciate having Aiden here, more so than I thought. He's someone I look up to, and I'm even more comfortable on campus just knowing he's around."
Audrey Higgins '26
