Ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, and chances are likely that you’ll hear eager replies of “Astronaut!” or “Zookeeper!” or “Professional baseball player!” But as we grow older, our lives and interests change, and very few of us follow through with professions our childhood-selves dreamed up. Not so with Jouli H.
Jouli’s story of becoming a nurse at UPMC began when she was just a little girl – a story that has been full of challenges and triumphs, passion and perseverance, and, above all, a caring and compassionate spirit. The moments of perseverance, resolve, and encouragement all have impacted what Jouli is doing today with her career and beyond. Take a moment to meet Jouli and hear her story of why “life changing is…being empowered.”
Ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, and chances are likely that you’ll hear eager replies of “Astronaut!” or “Zookeeper!” or “Professional baseball player!” But as we grow older, our lives and interests change, and very few of us follow through with professions our childhood-selves dreamed up. Not so with Jouli H.
Jouli’s story of becoming a nurse at UPMC began when she was just a little girl – a story that has been full of challenges and triumphs, passion and perseverance, and, above all, a caring and compassionate spirit. The moments of perseverance, resolve, and encouragement all have impacted what Jouli is doing today with her career and beyond. Take a moment to meet Jouli and hear her story of why “life changing is…being empowered.”
Life changing is…being empowered to overcome challenges.
Born in Syria, Jouli moved to United States with her family when she was 16, a relocation that would impact every chapter to come in her life story. Adjusting to life in the United States meant experiencing an abundance of new things: a new language, a new culture, and a new set of choices about what she could or would do with her future. Jouli does not shy away from sharing the hard parts of her story, saying: “My English was really bad, and it was difficult to be an immigrant."
But what’s even remarkable than hearing Jouli’s vulnerability to share about her life experiences is seeing the strength and confidence she built through the challenges she faced. In her twenties, Jouli pursued work opening and operating a café, but as she approached 30, Jouli and her story took a turn…backwards. She decided to go back to school to become a nurse, returning to the hope and dream she had as a little girl. “It was really challenging being your thirties, starting a new career you've wanted,” she shared. However, Jouli didn’t let that stop her. “[I] just needed that little tiny push.”
Jouli went on to attend Mercy School of Nursing, graduating with honors. She couldn’t have anticipated what challenge she would encounter next; Jouli began her role on a medical intensive care unit at Mercy Hospital just as COVID-19 hit. “It was challenging being a new grad and working with the sickest of sick patients,” Jouli recalled. But, she persevered: “I just want to help people and I want to be there for them.”
Life changing is…being empowered to overcome challenges.
Born in Syria, Jouli moved to United States with her family when she was 16, a relocation that would impact every chapter to come in her life story. Adjusting to life in the United States meant experiencing an abundance of new things: a new language, a new culture, and a new set of choices about what she could or would do with her future. Jouli does not shy away from sharing the hard parts of her story, saying: “My English was really bad, and it was difficult to be an immigrant."
But what’s even remarkable than hearing Jouli’s vulnerability to share about her life experiences is seeing the strength and confidence she built through the challenges she faced. In her twenties, Jouli pursued work opening and operating a café, but as she approached 30, Jouli and her story took a turn…backwards. She decided to go back to school to become a nurse, returning to the hope and dream she had as a little girl. “It was really challenging being your thirties, starting a new career you've wanted,” she shared. However, Jouli didn’t let that stop her. “[I] just needed that little tiny push.”
Jouli went on to attend Mercy School of Nursing, graduating with honors. She couldn’t have anticipated what challenge she would encounter next; Jouli began her role on a medical intensive care unit at Mercy Hospital just as COVID-19 hit. “It was challenging being a new grad and working with the sickest of sick patients,” Jouli recalled. But, she persevered: “I just want to help people and I want to be there for them.”
Life changing is…being empowered to chase my goals.
Though 2020 was a challenging year, Jouli shared that “through all the chaos” she remained “focused on my goal of going above and beyond.” She took advantage of UPMC’s tuition reimbursement program and partnership with Capella University to receive her BSN, simultaneously receiving certifications that help her bring her most equipped and empowered self in her role and career.
“I enjoy devoting my time to furthering my education to provide my patients with exceptional care while also advocating for them,” Jouli reflected. “I was able to further my education and become a Partner Nurse. Doing so has been very rewarding [because] I am able to advocate for my patients in our ICU and provide support for them and their families.”
“I still want to accomplish more,” Jouli says. “I want to be more involved in the hospital. My goal is to be able to one day be a leader at UPMC, and you can only do that if you work hard and prove yourself.” Empowered people empower people, and Joulie has certainly proven that to be true, serving as a mentor and a preceptor for new nurses. “I am always on the look for new opportunities to better myself and eagerness to serve and care for others,” she reflected.
* * *
Life changing is...being empowered in all you do.
For Jouli Humberger, life has changed a lot since she was a child growing up in Syria. Yet years later, Jouli is proof that not everything we dream about in childhood turns out to be a tale of make-believe: some dreams really do come true. “Being a nurse at Mercy Hospital has been challenging yet rewarding, it taught me vigilance, leadership, and compassion.”
Jouli’s story is one that inspires all of us to remember how being empowered through education, advancement, encouragement, and opportunity can truly change someone’s life. Life changing is…overcoming challenges and chasing your goals, all while serving others well along the way.
Life changing is…being empowered to chase my goals.
Though 2020 was a challenging year, Jouli shared that “through all the chaos” she remained “focused on my goal of going above and beyond.” She took advantage of UPMC’s tuition reimbursement program and partnership with Capella University to receive her BSN, simultaneously receiving certifications that help her bring her most equipped and empowered self in her role and career.
"I enjoy devoting my time to furthering my education to provide my patients with exceptional care while also advocating for them,” Jouli reflected. “I was able to further my education and become a Partner Nurse. Doing so has been very rewarding [because] I am able to advocate for my patients in our ICU and provide support for them and their families.”
“I still want to accomplish more,” Jouli says. “I want to be more involved in the hospital. My goal is to be able to one day be a leader at UPMC, and you can only do that if you work hard and prove yourself.” Empowered people empower people, and Joulie has certainly proven that to be true, serving as a mentor and a preceptor for new nurses. “I am always on the look for new opportunities to better myself and eagerness to serve and care for others,” she reflected.
* * *
Life changing is...being empowered in all you do.
For Jouli H., life has changed a lot since she was a child growing up in Syria. Yet years later, Jouli is proof that not everything we dream about in childhood turns out to be a tale of make-believe: some dreams really do come true. “Being a nurse at Mercy Hospital has been challenging yet rewarding, it taught me vigilance, leadership, and compassion.”
Jouli’s story is one that inspires all of us to remember how being empowered through education, advancement, encouragement, and opportunity can truly change someone’s life. Life changing is…overcoming challenges and chasing your goals, all while serving others well along the way.
