Commencement Spotlight: Marivic Lleña
Commencement Spotlight: Marivic Lleña, Master of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
Future Plans: Family Nurse Practitioner, Weatherstone Medical Center, Woodstock, Georgia
Marivic Lleña, a 52-year-old Woodstock, Georgia native, will graduate on May 7 with a Master’s
of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree. She has accepted a position as a family
nurse practitioner at Weatherstone Medical Center in Woodstock, Georgia. In the role
Lleña will integrate her experience in advanced family practice to implement health
promotion and disease prevention to various age groups and ethnicities. 
What motivated you to learn more about your field?
As a seasoned registered nurse, I can assist patients in the promotion of health and
disease prevention and managing acute and chronic health issues. Additionally, doctors
and nurse practitioners with whom I've worked have encouraged me to advance my career,
and they believe I have the potential to be a successful nurse practitioner.
Why did you choose ASU?
I have chosen Albany State University as my school because it is a diversified, educational
gem in Georgia. ASU educates for success in a globally diversified society, where
knowledge and technology provide chances for personal and professional growth. As
a Filipino-American, I chose ASU because I knew it embraced and supported diversity
in its students.
How did ASU prepare you to succeed after matriculation?
I am very proud to be an ASU graduate because the school prepared me well to be in
this field that I want to be a part of. I gained the knowledge, skills, and critical
thinking ability to implement learned concepts effectively and safely in the real
world of becoming a successful nurse practitioner. Perseverance is key to being a
successful ASU graduate.
What do you love most about your chosen profession?
My aspiration to become a nurse practitioner began many years ago. I waited until
my children were older before doing so. As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to
meet patients ongoing health care needs and, most importantly, with a holistic approach
that offers care in a cost-effective manner.
Who at ASU has made the most significant impact on you, and who do you consider a
role model at ASU?
Throughout my FNP journey, Dr. Nicole Watkins has served as a role model for me; she
is kind, patient, and always available to her students. She is indeed a great mentor.
What advice would you give to other ASU students?
There will be ups and downs along the way, but keep going because the result will
be worth it.
What would you say to high school students about choosing ASU to further their education?
The best advice I can give to high school students considering ASU to further their
education is to emphasize how ASU maintains high expectations and standards for all
students and provides a supportive learning environment.