Barry University Blogs: Jennifer Sastoque

After waiting 10 days – and walking 15 blocks - finally outside the Capitol and ready to go to Florida House to watch the Presidential Inauguration!

Happy Inauguration Day! It seems like it has taken a long time for this day to come, but it's finally here! As soon as I left my hotel, the madness began. Getting on a Metro was trouble in itself, I squeezed into a packed car at the very last second before the automated doors closed and I got to know some people very very well. There literally was no room to move, every inch was consumed by passengers stacked and pressed against one another. My goal was to get off and catch the Red Line that would drop me off at Union Station, but that did not happen.

As I was waiting for the next Metro to come, I found out that there was an accident and all Red Line trains were stopped. I begrudgingly made my way to the outside world, to find throngs of people in the streets. Lines were everywhere, I didn't even know what the lines were for, but they were there taking up city blocks. My walk ended up being around 15 blocks, with the cold harsh wind blowing in my face, all the while realizing that I should have worn more layers. I wasn't even close to the National Mall, but I had never seen so many people or so many smiles in my life.

I don't know how to explain it, but there was just this contagious sense of optimism. Everyone was smiling and so happy to witness something historic. Even after being in DC for 10 days, I still couldn't believe that I was there.

As I found out later, there were 1.5 million people on the National Mall alone and a total of 4 million people in the city! Turns out the National Mall was shut down before I even got off the Metro so I made it to a watch party at the Florida House which was two blocks away from the Capitol, not too shabby. I'm sure as you saw on TV like I did, it was an amazing Inauguration, and the site of all those people and all those flags waving was overwhelming!

The line that struck me the most from President Obama's speech was this: "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." Just beautifully spoken and so true.

Well, after that wonderful speech, I had to leave and catch my flight back home, which took about two hours alone for me to get back to the hotel, but everything that I experienced was worth the wait.

The first day of my seminar they said that they hope that students leave differently than when they first arrived. And it's true, this whole experience has been life-changing, it has given me a clearer direction of where I want to go after I leave Barry University and how truly grateful I am to live in such a great country. I've met wonderful people, seen wonderful things and explored a wonderful city. What can I say it's been wonderful!

Thank you to Barry University for your support, to Professor Foreman for bringing this great opportunity to me, and for my family!

For the last time, this is Jennifer Sastoque signing out.

Today was an early start for me; I made my way to RFK for the Day of Service and arrived at 8 a.m. I was pumped and excited and not quite sure what to expect, but honestly I was just glad to be volunteering. The plan of the day was to make care packages for our soldiers overseas. And, as someone most likely joining the Navy this fall, it was nice to see the support that those who serve this country get from people. It was uplifting and encouraging.

Today's photos (click to enlarge):
Making care packages for our overseas troops at RFK stadium during the National Day of Service.			Guess who dropped by the National Day of Service? Stuart Scott from Sportscenter!

This is how the volunteer operation was situated: there was a huge tent in the middle of the field and it was organized into four different zones. Participants came through the main entrance, were divided into four groups in the stadium seats, and given instructions on what to do once they were inside. Did I lose you? I promise it was much easier than it sounds.

Let me just say, there were some pretty cool cameos at this volunteer event. Michelle Obama, Eric Holder, Timothy Geither, Congressmen, Governors – oh my! I did have my own sighting, Stuart Scott from Sportscenter! I start off practically every morning watching it, so it was very cool to see him, and he was incredibly nice and excited to be there just like everyone else. It was such a wonderful atmosphere to be in; I felt so privileged to be a small part of it. The excitement of the volunteers did not waver, the energy in that room knew no bounds, nor did the smiles.

Unfortunately, I had to leave earlier than I wanted to because I had a ball to go to. I know I have it so rough! I was just glad that my bridesmaid’s dress from my sister's wedding two years ago could finally be put to good use. Once I arrived at the Corcoran Art Gallery I realized that I was the first one to arrive; so much for being fashionably late. I had the chance to meet Vivian, a Barry alum who happened to be in DC for the Inauguration like myself, so I wasn't alone. Then the doors opened and I came to the quick realization of "What the heck am I doing here?"

I had never been to anything like this in my life and felt, well still feel, undeserving. The Sunshine and Stars Ball was absolutely wonderful in every way. Champagne, hor d'oeuvres, live music, really really good food, I still can’t believe that I was there. When no one was looking I pinched myself. The news going around was that Charlie Crist, our Republican governor, was supposed to be in attendance. However, some of the state’s Democrat counterparts were all in a tizzy about it. What happened to being bipartisan? But I digress, I did get to meet some very interesting people: Congressman John Mica, Congressman Ron Klein, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. I found the latter extremely kind, we both talked about how the cold weather was much kinder to our straightened hair than in Florida. I had an absolutely wonderful time, what could be more fun than mixing art with politics.

Today's photos (click to enlarge):
Dressed to the nines for Florida’s Sunshine and Stars Ball.	With Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., at Florida’s Ball	With Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, D-Fla.	With Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla.

After a wonderful night of food, fun and art, I made the long walk back to the Metro station to get ready for the big day. I am so excited about tomorrow, inauguration is almost here! Who else is excited?

Sunday was pretty big for me for the following reasons:

1. I actually got to sleep in past 9 o'clock! That was a luxury that I had forgotten and so dearly missed.

2. I had Orientation for the Day of Service volunteering.

3. Inauguration concert!

After I was finished with the volunteer training at RFK stadium, I made my way to the Inauguration concert which a hop, skip, Metro ride, and a five block walk away. Once I arrived, I quickly realized that I was in over my head trying to find a decent viewing spot. I pushed and clawed my way through the vast crowds only to find...more crowds. Before this day, I had never seen so many people. It was endless, but at the same time amazing. My thoughts were "If this is how the concert is, I can't even imagine how it will be on Inauguration Day." Every time, President-elect Obama or his family were shown on the jumbotrons, the crowd went crazy! The cheering just overpowered everything!

Just imagine every celebrity and musician there, mixed with throngs of everyday people, and that was how the concert was. I had an amazing time, still shocked to be there to witness something so entertaining among thousands of people. I left the concert early because I was extremely tired and my stomach was auto-digesting itself from a prolonged time of not eating. Walking out was a harder task than I thought it would be, but I did make an interesting observation while fighting my way through the crowds.

If the word "Obama" was on it, it was for sale. Hats, shirts, scarves, pins, buttons, calendars, disposable cameras, foam fingers, puppets! I even saw vendors selling an Obama hot dog and some charging for pictures with a cutout of him. I guess that's the American way – make a quick buck any way possible. Never have I seen anything like it! What an exciting time to be in DC; I'm loving it!

Today was the final day of the seminar. It was somewhat bittersweet, all of the speakers have been wonderful and I've gained so much knowledge. I'll finally be able to have some more free time, though, and explore this city that I have come to love more each day.

Here's the rundown. Today was the absolute coldest day so far with the temperature getting down to about 9 degrees! My extremities are still recovering from the brutal cold, and it makes me miss and appreciate the sunshine of Florida so much more.

At the sessions, we had the privilege of hearing from guest speakers Sam Donaldson from ABC News and a panel composed of former members of Congress: Charles Stenholm (D-TX, 1979-2005), James Longley (R-ME, 1995-1997), Robert Wise (D-WV, 1983-2001), Conrad Burns (R-MT, 1989-2007), and James Symington (D-MO, 1969-1977). Sam Donaldson specifically touched on how the presidency works and some of the intricate details that the job entails. To me, being the President is not only the hardest job in the world, it is a paradox. On the one hand, people want the government to intervene, but not so much so that their civil rights are impeded on. It can be quite a difficult position to be in, and I really wish President-elect Obama the best. The President is called the most powerful position, but I would like to contradict that our Constitution provides many checks and balances so that our President could not turn into a ruler, which was the very thing our founding fathers wanted to escape from. Ok, there’s my history lesson.

A Congressional panel gives insight on the role of the President.

After our series of speakers concluded, my group trekked over the Capitol where we attained Congress and Senate gallery passes that allow the public to go into both Houses and maybe even see the Senate or Congress in session. You’ve got to love America! Unfortunately, cameras were not allowed so I could not take any pictures, but I will tell you it is absolutely beautiful.

Then the debacle of the day occurred. We had an appointment at the French embassy at 4:30 so we left an hour before to ensure that we would get there on time. That did not happen, not even close. Navigating the Metro system is one thing that we got down pat – the bus not so much. We ended up going in the opposite direction of our destination and walking blocks in the freezing, windy, cold weather, and being 30 minutes late! But once we got in and my skin thawed off, the French ambassador, Pierre Vimont, talked about the US/French relations and the effect a presidential transition has. He then answered our questions, and was incredibly diplomatic and poised just as I had always pictured an ambassador to be. Well, academic wise, that's it for me. So now it's time to get my formal dress ready to go for Monday and Tuesday night, this gal will be going to not one but two inaugural balls (thanks Professor Foreman)! I will have plenty more pictures, and possibly even a video so stayed tuned! Here are some links of some interviews that I've done about the seminar: The Miami Herald The Florida Catholic From Washington, DC this is Jennifer Sastoque signing out!

With French ambassador, Pierre Vimont. With a friend from the Washington Center.

Well my friends, yesterday was the day that this whole trip was validated for me (and for those of you who know me, you'll see why). First, let's start off with a recap that led up to my shining moment, the highlight of all highlights for me. As a result of this happening, I had to miss a day of seminar speakers, but trust me it was for the greater good.

I started my day by going to the Dirksen Senate Office Building with two other students to attend the Armed Services Committee Hearings. And why? Besides seeing firsthand how our government works, I find it very fascinating that all of these Senate Committee Hearings are open to the public. Anybody can go witness these events, but most Americans do not know this (including myself before today). What other country/government has this type of transparency with its citizens, or has such a peaceful transition of power? Say what you want about our country and the hard times that we are all facing, but the fact is, at the foundation, our country is truly great.

Today’s hearing was for the nomination process for four members selected by President-elect Obama to fill various positions in the Department of Defense. It started off with formal niceties and cordial opening statements about how, out of all the committees, this is the one that is truly bipartisan. Then the Chairman, Senator Carl Levin (D-Michigan), stated that ranking member John McCain would be joining the hearing later. See, I told you I had a good reason! And, let me just say that every time a door opened, my head perked up to see if it was the much anticipated Arizona Senator. So after an hour into the hearing, Senator John McCain makes his way in and just commands the room with his presence, injecting the audience with a new sense of energy.

To tell you the truth, the man was only there for about 15 minutes because he had to attend another committee. He gave some nice opening statements, made some political jokes that I fully did not understand (something about a guy be lawyerly?), and soon left. So, being the go-getter that I am, I left the room and waited for him in the main hallway, where he came out shortly after and we had this very brief conversation:

Me: Hello, Senator McCain. My name is Jennifer Sastoque from Miami and I was a big supporter for you during your campaign. John McCain: Thank you for your support. Me: (in a more assertive tone) Would it be ok if I took a picture with you? JM staff member: You have to be quick. Me: (while posing with Senator McCain) I'm actually joining the Navy later this year. JM: Thank you for your service.

The highlight of all highlights of my trip – meeting Senator John McCain!

I know, amazing! So after that encounter, I had to compose myself and went back into Committee room with the biggest smile on my face. Then things in the hearing suddenly took an interesting turn:

1. Senator Jim Webb (D-Virginia) was just going off on the Navy saying things about the budget, how there is no need to another base in Florida, etc.
2. One nominee (the only female) did not provide many answers to the questions asked of her, but mostly responded by saying "I was not briefed on that" (hmmm...).
3. Another nominee completely dodged a question that he clearly did not answer, but only restated the question in the form of an answer.

After the session, we walked to the Holocaust Memorial in 25 degree weather (12 degrees with wind chill!). When we finally arrived, the feeling on my face and hands finally came back. I've been to the Holocaust Memorial before, but it is still just as moving as it was the first time. So many people lost their lives over those 12 years. I find that the worst kind of action is no action. That night my group made their way to George Washington University where political satirist Mark Russell would entertain us. He did not disappoint. Armed with a piano, he commented on everything, from McCain, Palin, Obama, Clinton (Bill and Hillary), the election, lobbyists, Congress, and everything else under the political sun. It was nice to make fun of politics and especially to laugh at them because, as much I love politics, it can be ridiculous. As you may know, I am a volunteer for the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and will be helping on Monday, the Day of Service, making care packages for soldiers overseas in RFK stadium. I thought it would be great to include the university in this event by writing a letter and placing it in one of the packages. So if you would like to be part of this, email me your name to my school email jennifer.sastoque@mymail.barry.edu and I'll include it in the letter I will be writing.

Riding the Metro in chilly Washington, DC. At George Washington University, waiting to hear political satirist Mark Russell.

I have a confession to make, and please do not judge me too harshly (don't say I didn't give out a disclaimer): I slept in an extra 45 minutes today resulting in 15 minutes of tardiness. Is all forgiven? Let's never fight again.

Now that confession time is over, let me tell you about my day. After a cup of coffee, I made my way to my seat to wait for today's guest speakers to teach and enlighten me. They did not disappoint. Here's the breakdown: Dana Perino (G.W.'s White House Press Secretary), Ted Koppel (former anchor of ABC News Nightline), and Clarence Page (Pulitizer Prize winning columnist of the Chicago Tribune). Quite the high caliber lineup; it was amazing and so were all of the speakers.

With Dana Perino

I really enjoyed Dana Perino's session which was aired live on C-SPAN. She offered an up-close and personal perspective of the Bush administration and gave insight into the President's thought process on key issues such as the War in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, Darfur, No Child Left Behind Act, etc. I could tell the other students were not enjoying her session, as they shuffled in their seats, occasionally shaking their heads, since many of them are counting down the days until his departure. But the whole purpose of this seminar is to hear expert opinions and views, even if they differ from our own. This woman was 50 feet away from the President everyday - I find that surreal.

Things got interesting with Senor Koppel. He opposed pretty much everything, and Dana Perino responded, to the delight of the vast majority of the seminar audience. He is an extremely accomplished man who offered more insight into the lost objectivity of the media and the surge of reporting news through blogs and YouTube.

Clarence Page's topics mostly dealt with Obama's transition, but then somehow morphed into Chicago politics....I know. When I hear those two words (Chicago politics), several words come to mind, corruption, scandal, broken system, a governor accused of trying to sell the Senate seat! Yet he was attempting to make it sound reputable and honorable when I, in fact, feel that it is the polar opposite. Is there anyone that feels this too? Am I alone on this?

Ok, enough with the politics, even though I'm here in DC for that very reason. But let's cool things down a little, Canadian style. That’s right we visited the Canadian embassy today! My initial thoughts on this were not very encouraging, but you'll never believe it, I really enjoyed it. The US and Canada are the sidekicks of the world; the US is Batman and Canada is Robin (maybe vice versa depending on your stance). My questions were concerned about healthcare in Canada, and then for comic relief asked about hockey, the religion of Canada (for the record the Canadian embassy does not endorse any one hockey team, but equally supports all teams across their country).

Today’s cameo appearance: I believe I saw the new Attorney General appointee, Eric Holder, as he was walking into one of the Senate buildings.

Well, that pretty much sums it up for today; I'm looking forward to tomorrow! From DC, this Jennifer Sastoque signing out!

Today is the day I curse my shoes and all of the 6.2 miles they have walked today. Perhaps it's my old age of 22 or my third sleep deprived night, but my mind and body was struggling to get out of bed today. Thank goodness that my motivation was getting to be on C-SPAN today. Imagine over 650 eager and anxious students crowding around two doors – all trying to grab a choice seat for this auspicious moment. One of the C-SPAN broadcasts that aired included special guests Juan William (of NPR radio, Fox News Channel, and CNN) and Bret Baier (of Fox News Channel's Special Report with Bret Baier). This discussion was on the Obama transition to the Presidency, and included live calls from across the nation and questions from our student audience. I had the pleasure of meeting both commentators afterwards, and being the Republican junkie that I am, had Brett Baier talk to another Republican junkie, my father on my cell phone. I'd like to think that it made his day because it made mine! I also got to meet Bob Schieffer, CBS’s most experienced Washington reporter, moderator of one of the Presidential debates, and the most adorable man I've ever met in my whole life. I made sure he knew that, which I think he appreciated. This is the “Good News/Bad News” blog, so in the spirit of sweeping optimism I will start with the Bad News and end this blog on two very high notes. Bad News: My appointments with both Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen fell through. Go figure that they have crazy schedules filled with meetings. Good News: I was 30 feet away from President-elect Barack Obama! I know, it's crazy and I'll give you a little backstory into how this came to be. I was on my way to the Chamber of Commerce with my male FIU counterpart after hours of walking from the Capitol. We passed by the hotel where Mr. Obama and his family are staying until the Inauguration. Traffic was in a tizzy because streets were blocked off for security reasons, and we were closed off from getting to our final destination. We look up and see Mr. Obama in the back of his car, and he waved to us. That validated my whole trip because I probably got a better view of him than I would at the Inauguration. Very very cool. Good News Part 2: Our last C-SPAN coverage was the president of C-SPAN having a question and answer portion with the students from the seminar. I made my way to the line of students waiting for a turn on the microphone and some airtime. With my luck, I was the last person selected. No pressure right? With my heart beating out of my chest, I approached the microphone and stated my name and school (go Barry!) and major (go Nursing!). So this was my moment of truth, the moment that all 650 students will get to hear me. So here's what I said: "Hi, my name is Jennifer Sastoque and I'm a senior nursing student from Barry University in Miami. And for the record, I was an avid supporter and volunteer for.....John McCain (there was actually applause!). And, I’m saying this because, with all of the issues that face our country that students have touched on, it seems petty for the party labels of Republican or Democrat because we are all Americans (break for more applause). In the coming year, I’ll be joining the Navy as a nurse, and issues that didn’t matter to me back then will especially matter to me now. Even though I disagree with President-elect Obama, I am going to support him because he will be my President, although I will be critical of the decisions he will make. I'm actually even volunteering in the Inaugural Committee. All of the students here are so goal-oriented and ambitious and they inspire me and bring out the best in me (rousing applause).” I found the Republican underground students of the seminar. There were so many students thanking me for taking a Republican stance in front of all of the seminar and on cable television. Truth is, I am mentally and physically exhausted and sleep seems to be something that I miss dearly. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully I'll be able to sit on Senate Committee hearings (fingers crossed). From DC, this is Jennifer Sastoque signing out!

With Bob Schieffer from CBS, the most adorable man I’ve ever met.   Me and Juan Williams, who spoke for the C-SPAN broadcast.   Me and Bret Baier, of Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier.” I had him call my father, it made his day!   Outside the White House. Inauguration in T-minus seven days…

My day started at 6 a.m. and ended at 11:30 p.m. But before I jump too far ahead, let's start from the beginning of the day. Monday started off even earlier and even colder than the day before, but I learned from my previous mistakes and opted for flats instead of heels.

This was the day that all of the speakers sparked my interests. One of the more interesting segments included noted Republican and Democrat commentators, Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel. It was refreshing to see two opposing counterparts with completely different stances who were not screaming in each other's faces, but respectfully agreed to disagree, or “find common ground,” as they like to say. There was also a former Secret Service agent. He, unfortunately, couldn’t give too much information because the Department that he works for has the word SECRET in it.

After some touring of the city, we made our way to the Capitol. The highlight of my day, however, was coincidentally running into Fox New Channel’s commentator, Carl Cameron, who followed John McCain's 2008 campaign. I have to confess, being the political nerd that I am had to introduce myself to him. Turns out he was at the Capitol to report on a story about Roland Burris and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. This is how our conversation went: Me: Hi, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your coverage of the John McCain campaign. Carl Cameron: Why thank you. Me: (in a nervous, but trying not to sound too excited voice) Um...would it be ok if I took a picture with you? Carl Cameron: Sure...(to cameraman) make sure the Capitol is in the background. Where are you from? Me: Miami. (searching for something witty to say). It's a lot warmer down there than it is up here! (was that really the best I could do?). After my shining moment, we went over to the Congressional Office Buildings where I visited the offices of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. And, to my surprise, I have appointments with both of them tomorrow! It just can't get any better than that. After my self-perceived accomplishments, I made my way, by myself, on the Metro to the Washington Convention Center for the Presidential Inaugural Committee Volunteer Committee. The place was packed. Once the orientation started it turns out that over 80,000 people from across the country applied, but 15,000 were accepted (including yours truly). So I was designated to the Day of Service at RFK Stadium to help make care packages for our soldiers overseas. For those of you who were around campus during the time of the presidential debates and election, you know that I was a hard-core John McCain supporter. And it was John McCain's moving concession speech that encouraged all Americans to support our future President, and that is what I'm going to do. In the tough times that we live in, sometimes it feels like everything is going down, and it seems petty to me to not support our future President. Republican, Democrat, black, white, gay, or straight we're all Americans and we need to be united. So a little FYI for tomorrow, you can catch all the seminar participants on CSPAN! Until next time.... This is Jennifer Sastoque signing out.

The highlight of my day! Meeting Fox News commentator Carl Cameron at the Capitol!   Outside the Capitol building   On the Capitol tour with other students from the Washington Center seminar.

Hey everyone! Well, it's Day 1 here in DC and it is absolutely freezing (by Miami standards anything below 65 degrees fits into that category). This day has been non-stop with guest speakers, city tours, navigating the Metro and walking through DC in 3-inch heels. It has been quite the busy day and at the end of the day I'm still recovering.

So far this experience has been surreal – I'm still pinching myself that I'm actually here and going to be able to witness such an amazing event as the Inauguration. We had several guest speakers today that focused on the delicate relationship between the media and politics, and how beneficial yet detrimental this fragile relationship can be. My favorite was Dana Bash, a senior CNN correspondent who covered John McCain's 2008 campaign. I even had the pleasure to speak with her and take a picture with her; she was extremely gracious and willing to answer any questions that students had.

After five long hours of speakers and focus sessions, we went on what I like to call “Washington DC: Cliff Notes Version,” an express tour of all of the major monuments such as The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, Union Station, Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam/WWII Memorial and everything else you could possibly imagine. Seeing all these sites only increases my desire to move to DC, which is what the politicos call "Potomac Fever;" the more you're here the longer you want to stay.

As it turns out, finding tickets to the Inauguration is like trying to find a unicorn, a pot of gold, the Loch Ness Monster, and Bigfoot all at a party hanging out – quite the mission impossible, but hopefully tomorrow when my group visits the Capitol and meets with some members from Congress we'll be able to get some more information.

Today's photos (click to enlarge):
Me with CNN’s Dana Bash (on the left).	Posing with cutout of John McCain	Posing with cutout of Barack Obama	Me at the Washington Mall	With FDR at the FDR memorial

Tomorrow is a big day for me, I am going to visit the Capitol, meet members from Congress, and go to the Inaugural Committee orientation meeting, so I'll let you guys know what exactly that entails!

This is Jennifer Sastoque signing off!

Hey fellow Buccaneers!

My name is Jennifer Sastoque and I'm a senior nursing student here at Barry (the end is almost here for me)!

I am so excited about attending this seminar in Washington D.C. and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Presidential Inauguration, and everything that entails. You'll be hearing from me while I'm in Washington D.C. with up-to-date details of what will be a truly historic event in our nation's history.

One of the questions I get asked a lot is "You’re a nursing student, so why are you attending a political seminar?" My response is that politics, as well as the decisions made by our elected politicians, have an effect on all of us, not just on those inside political circles. It's important for every student – and American - to be informed and invested in the issues that face our country today. And, with healthcare being such a hot-button issue in America, it is even more important to have those in healthcare professions (including nurses) to be informed and active.

I cannot wait to see what this experience will bring and who and what I'll encounter while I'm up there. Thank you Professor Foreman for nominating me and Barry University for your support!

Jennifer Sastoque is an active senior nursing student at Barry University. She is the secretary of the university’s College Republicans group, and spoke at many Barry debates and rallies leading up to the Presidential election. She has made Barry’s Dean’s List six times, and is a member and regional director of the Nursing Student Association.

She is originally from Hawaii and is a member of New Testament Baptist Church in Miami. After her graduation from Barry this May, Sastoque plans to join the Navy as a nurse, while preparing for her master’s degree, also in healthcare or nursing.