For Two Sugar Land Sisters, Graduation is a Family Affair
By Marisa Ramirez
December 9, 2024
Kristen and Emily Kiang were very close growing up in Sugar Land. The sisters often dressed the same, played together and pursued similar interests. Their mutual love for health care led them both to Baylor University to pursue undergraduate degrees in Medical Humanities. Kristen graduated in 2021; Emily in 2022.
“I found out about the Second-Degree BSN program at University of Houston, and I knew that it would be the best fit for my path to becoming a nurse,” Emily said.
Now at the end of their studies, and as they have done so in many other ways, Emily and Kristen will graduate together from the UH Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing’s Second-Degree BSN program in fall 2024 commencement ceremonies.
“Our family and friends were excited when they heard we would be in the same program at the same time,” said Kristen. “They would all say how nice it was that we would have each other to go through the program with, and that we would be each other’s study buddies.”
Emily and Kristen grew up surrounded by several family members in the health care industry, who exposed them to the field. That, coupled with a quick 10-minute drive to classes at UH at Sugar Land, where the College is located, cemented the decision to pursue nursing. Both say the rigorous program was made a bit easier by having each other for support.
“It was very valuable and special to have someone so close who understands exactly what the other is going through,” Emily said.
The accelerated 12-month, intensive, Second-Degree BSN program is for students who hold bachelor's degrees in other areas but now want to become nurses. Students draw upon their knowledge and skill in biological sciences, humanities and social sciences as they learn to become nurse leaders, practice-ready for patient care.
“Nursing is a career for life,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college. “Kristen and Emily have something special to share as sisters—their education at the UH Gessner College, graduation day and their future as nurses in a profession that is highly respected and needed.”
While the sisters express gratitude for the support they received from each other, both are quick to thank family, friends and faculty for their success in the program and future success in the industry.
“A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed just how much I could learn in a year,” Kristen said. “I am thankful for the faculty and staff from our professors to the Clinical Learning Team to our IT team. I am also thankful for all the nurses, techs, therapists, and physicians I had the opportunity to work with during my clinical rotations.”
The sisters both will enter the nursing profession in the Texas Medical Center, Kristen as a medical ICU nurse, while Emily will work in a specialized cardiac unit.
“This year wasn’t easy by any means, but there were good memories made that I can carry into the future,” Emily said. “I extend special gratitude to my classmates. I am so glad we were able to experience nursing school together. I can’t wait to see the impact we will make in the future.”