Stories

“Laurel Bellemore embodies the values of leadership, volunteerism, academic integrity, and a deep-seated commitment to Northeastern and the broader community.”

-Carmen Sceppa, Dean, Bouvé College of Health Sciences

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

One of the reasons I am so enamored with Boston is that it has so much to offer. In my leisure time, I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s hiking scenic trails or strolling through the city, uncovering hidden gems. One of my favorite retreats from the city bustle is perched on a dock on the Charles, admiring views of the river and its intersecting bridges.

Although I wouldn’t consider myself a foodie, I enjoy trying new and diverse cuisines available in the neighborhoods of Greater Boston. Baking and cooking are my passions, and I find joy in expressing gratitude to friends and family through food. My “healthy” banana bread has been a real crowd-pleaser.

As an enthusiastic sports fan and a proud New Englander, I love being immersed in Boston’s passionate sports scene whether it’s singing along to “Sweet Caroline” or cheering on the Northeastern hockey teams in the Dog Pound at Matthews Arena.

What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large?

As a three-year starter on Northeastern University’s Division 1 Women’s Club Lacrosse team (with the 2020-21 season paused due to COVID-19), I not only contributed to our national ranking—as of today, we’re ranked 11th in the nation—but also served in an executive board position.

I’ve also been a member of the Northeastern University Student Nurses Association (NUSNA) for four years, where I have enjoyed mentoring undergraduate students on various aspects of their academic journey, including course sequencing, co-op placements, and the importance of self-care while navigating the rigorous demands of being a nursing student.

Beyond campus, I’ve extended my commitment to service by volunteering as a medical aid to runners during the Boston Marathon.

Describe some of your achievements at Northeastern

Participating in a Public Health Windshield Survey video as a representative of Bouvé’s School of Nursing epitomized Northeastern’s ethos of bridging theory and practice to tackle societal issues. It was an honor to have been selected to showcase Bouvé’s commitment to addressing inequities. This experience emphasized the significance of understanding the communities we serve, not only from a medical perspective but also socio-economically, culturally, and environmentally. To provide effective healthcare, we need to consider various factors beyond medical expertise by understanding the lives of those we care for—their daily struggles, living conditions, and the obstacles hindering their access to healthcare.

During my clinical placement at the Justice Resource Institute, where I supported individuals facing HIV/AIDS and treatment adherence challenges, I wanted to explore the psychosocial elements influencing their well-being. Recognizing the impact of loneliness and despair, I sought to modernize our approach to care.

My research revealed the importance of prioritizing social connection and community integration to address mental health concerns. To facilitate communal interaction and engagement, I surveyed residents and organized a social event at Behrakis that was informed by their preferences. The event featured facilitated conversations, refreshments, games, and giveaways. Residents responded positively, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to forge genuine connections in a way that resonated with them.

I have also completed two co-ops. My first was at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, specifically on Rosenberg 6, an Acute Trauma and Surgical unit. For my second co-op, I worked at Boston Children’s Hospital on the Solid Organ Transplant and Complex Surgery Unit (10 Hale). During this placement, I was honored to receive three staff-nominated “Way To Shine” awards, acknowledging my dedication to providing exceptional care to patients and their families, as well as my commitment to supporting fellow staff members above and beyond expectations.

Considering my achievements to date, nothing surpasses the feeling of knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life or within an organization like Northeastern that entrusted me with responsibilities. Whether it’s the simple act of brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture, providing support during challenging times, or doing more than what’s been asked, bringing pride to my school, workplace, or loved ones, fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Of the above examples, which do you consider your most significant achievement and why?

Reflecting on my time at Northeastern, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single proudest achievement, as it’s more of a journey than a specific event. It’s woven into the fabric of my nursing education and volunteer experiences, which range from immersive clinical rotations to impactful co-op placements and everyday interactions. These opportunities have allowed me to engage deeply with individuals facing adversity or marginalization.

In nursing education, we stress the importance of empathy, the ability to understand and resonate with our patients’ experiences. While I naturally lean towards compassion, these experiences have broadened my perspective. They’ve shown me that true caregiving goes beyond empathy—it requires a genuine recognition of each person’s humanity, including their fears, vulnerabilities, and barriers.

My proudest achievements aren’t crowning moments but rather a series of “little wins” that have positively impacted others’ well-being. Whether it was successfully advocating for clients at the Justice Resource Institute, Inc., offering comfort to distressed caregivers, lending a helping hand to my co-workers, or seeing the tangible impact of my fundraising efforts for the Red Sox Foundation, these moments bring me deep satisfaction. They remind me that I’ve played a part in easing others’ burdens.

Ultimately, my most significant achievement lies in the intersection of understanding and action, where compassion meets advocacy. It’s in these moments of connection and support that I find the greatest fulfillment and motivation to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, both in my career and beyond. I am deeply grateful to Northeastern for providing me with unparalleled opportunities and I look forward to seizing each one to make this world a better place.

What honors or awards have you received during your time as a student?

[I have made the] Dean’s list every participating academic semester, [am a] candidate for Latin Honors—summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.89, [and received the] School of Nursing 50th Anniversary Scholarship Award, spring 2024.