Cassidy Martin '17, R.N., spent her years at Seton Hall as a Nursing major and Catholic Studies minor. She is now a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at The Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

We asked Cassidy about the benefits of a Catholic Studies minor:

"Studying Catholic Studies has aided me in many aspects of my life and career. Besides further improving my understanding of the Catholic faith, it also opened my eyes to see deep connections that are shared between all three Abrahamic religions. It allowed me to further appreciate the positive impact religion has brought to the world.

I learned that Catholicism, and some devout followers specifically, have aided in great achievements in the domains of science and medicine. I will never forget the thrill of reading the book The Tiara and the Test Tube: The Popes and Science from the Medieval Period to the Present, and really dwelling in that rich history of the birth of modern science and medicine.

The morals and values found in those early developers have helped cultivate my own personal philosophy as well as my professional approach in the field of nursing. As a Pediatric Intensive Care nurse, I take those values and ideals learned and apply them to the patient setting. My hope is that my patients and their families can trust me and appreciate my practice.

I believe that the Catholic Studies program has led me to be a better leader, a stronger critical thinker and even more empathetic and open minded to others. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made."