Ruwart works hard for nursing degree

By Mallory Stiles
Staff Writer

In a chaotic and sometimes unfriendly world, a helping hand can be all one needs.

Alivia Ruwart is just that and so much more. She has dedicated her life to the health of her community and the healing of others. She is working tirelessly toward her doctorate, one step at a time.

“I picked nursing because I have always been interested in the human body,” Ruwart said with a warm smile. “The possibilities are endless in this field and each option allows me to be there for people.”

She considers gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Sha’Carri Richardson to be her influences, keeping her own avid workout schedule, including weight lifting and climbing over 200 flights of stairs per gym visit.

She shared that she is not only taking four classes this semester, but also works part-time locally at Leo’s Coney Island.

“Working and going to school is hard to balance,” Ruwart said. “It’s hard to keep myself financially stable and make good grades, but I am doing it.”

Between classes, work and working out, she enjoys walking her cat “Kit” and wake surfing. She can be found listening to the music of Morgan Wallen and admiring all things green.

The road hasn’t always been easy for her, but she perseveres and continues to thrive.

“I have suffered from anxiety and depression since I was 13 but I go to therapy and found a medication that works for me,” Ruwart said. “I also struggled with anorexia, but beat it when I was 15, and now it’s just something I can say I overcame.

“Wanting to make my parents proud by saving lives is what inspires me to keep going. That, and I drink coffee every day … against doctors’ orders,” she said, looking sheepish.

Her father, Joel Ruwart, was happy to share a few words about his daughter.

“Alivia has always been my shining light,” Joel Ruwart said. “She is such a loving person, whether it’s people or animals. She has always been self-motivated and excels at everything she does. I’m a very proud dad and couldn’t be more blessed to have her in my life.”

Her parents’ love may have been what pushed her to go to college, but it’s the LCC atmosphere that keeps her coming back.

“I like how many great places there are study and just how many perks there are for students, like the new parking ramp,” Ruwart said. “I love just walking around campus and I feel safer knowing we have the new badge program … so fancy!”