Ella Sans Crainte is a senior nursing and Spanish double major at Viterbo University. She is known across campus for being a radiant and hospitable individual. Along with the other VU spring and summer graduates, she will graduate May 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the La Crosse Center. After graduation, Sans Crainte plans to start a nursing position in the pediatrics unit at Gundersen. Her goal is to one day work in children’s oncology.
Throughout her time at Viterbo, Sans Crainte has been involved with the orientation and engagement team, working as both an orientation leader and an orientation officer. She is also a part of the Viterbo Student Nurses Association (VSNA) and has served as the president of the Viterbo Voyagers for two years.
Sans Crainte explains that although she didn’t expect to enjoy giving tours, she is extremely thankful she decided to give it a try. “I’ve had an amazing time, and I love giving campus tours,” Sans Crainte says. “I love seeing 15, 16, 17-year-olds to be like, what do you think you want to do with your life, and how can I make it possible? I love giving tours, and I’m very happy that I chose to do it and continue to do it.” Working as a tour guide and an orientation leader has given her the unique experience of being there through different stages of students’ introduction to college, which is rewarding and brings her much joy.
Reflecting on her own years of transition, adjustment, and experience in college, Sans Crainte advises students not to put too much pressure on themselves. “The balance of I need to still be a student, but I also need to give myself time to become who I’m supposed to be, was hard. I think a lot of people inwardly struggle with that rather than talk about it.” She emphasizes how important it is to enjoy life without succumbing to the stress of thinking you must have everything figured out. “You don’t have to know, and you don’t have to be perfect in the way that you know things either… You just have to know what you value, and everything else falls into place after that.”
Sans Crainte encourages students to “Take it one day at a time.” She also points out that students should not be afraid to pivot directions or explore their options. “Do the things that you want, live your life to the absolute fullest.”
Ella Sans Crainte is a shining example of a student who has learned to live life to the fullest. In the process, she has influenced so many people at Viterbo University in positive ways. The Lumen is confident that she will continue to thrive in her nursing career and in life.
