Recipient of a 2025-2026 Alumni Student Leadership Award, Lily Glazier has committed her time and energy to supporting fellow students, the faculty of nursing and the community. Lily has contributed to the Centre for Research in Integrated Care and has served as a research assistant in gender-based violence. Throughout her time on campus, she’s also worked as a peer mentor, a Nursing Society member, director of media and communications for the Global Medical Brigades and has worked with older adults in the community on injury prevention through the Silver Series program.

What inspired you to enrol in UNB’s Faculty of Nursing?

My decision to enrol in UNB’s Faculty of Nursing was driven by both its purpose and the opportunities it provides. Following my mother’s illness, I knew I wanted a career where I would be helping people directly in moments that matter, while also advancing evidence-based practice. UNB offered exactly what I was looking for, including comprehensive clinical placements in hospital and community settings, interactive skills labs, and immersive virtual-reality simulations. Since joining, I’ve developed a variety of skills not only in the classroom but also through diverse clinical experiences. Just as important, the community of students, professors, and clinical instructors has been more supportive than I ever expected. This has created a foundation that allows me to thrive as a student and make meaningful contributions in my future career.

What has been the most rewarding or exciting part of your academic studies?

The most rewarding part of my academic studies has been the work I have contributed to as a research assistant at UNB. The Faculty of Nursing has provided extensive research opportunities I’m incredibly grateful for, including work with the Gender-Based Violence Research Team, where I developed skills in data cleaning and preliminary descriptive analysis of survey data, and a project with Drs. Hodgins and Dr. Batty, that deepened my understanding of evidence-informed practice. These experiences have been formative, and they would not have been possible without the mentorship and support of UNB’s nursing faculty.

How do you stay involved in student life on campus?

Outside the classroom, I stay closely involved in campus life, and I am passionate about mentoring students. As vice president of the UNB Nursing Society, I worked with the executive to identify the need for a dedicated space where nursing students can study, collaborate, and support one another. Our initiative is to create a nursing peer mentor tutorial space where students can drop in for tutoring and clinical advice from their peers. Furthermore, as a UNB peer mentor, I help guide first-year students and provide study strategy sessions, course help, and answer any general questions by having bi-weekly check-ins. I am also involved with the UNB Connect the Thoughts Health Case Competition and serving as director of media and communications for UNB’s first Medical Brigade since COVID-19. These experiences keep me connected to the UNB community and allow me to make a positive impact.

How has receiving the Alumni Student Leadership Award positively impacted your UNB experience?

Receiving the Alumni Student Leadership Award has strengthened my UNB experience in various ways. For starters, I am honoured to be a recipient as the award affirms my commitment to campus life. The financial support allows me to work fewer hours during the academic year and focus more time on mentoring first-year students, contributing to the UNB Nursing Society, and supporting student clubs. I am so incredibly grateful for this support and recognition from UNB alumni. Thank you so much.

What makes you Proudly UNB?

I am Proudly UNB because of the community, support, and opportunities I've found here. From the moment I stepped onto campus during welcome week, due to the magnitude of support, I felt at home even while away from home. UNB isn't just where I study; it's where I've grown as a leader. During my time here, I've had opportunities to pursue my passions, to help my peers, and to gain a comprehensive set of skills. That is what makes me truly proud to be a UNB student.

What are your future plans once you’ve completed your undergraduate degree?

Once I have completed my undergraduate degree, I plan to go into the Master of Nursing program at UNB. I have developed a strong passion for research through working as a research assistant, focusing on evidence-based practice and the social determinants of health. Following that, I hope to make meaningful contributions to the research field in addition to clinical settings.

How do you hope to continue staying connected to UNB in the future as an alum?

My commitment to UNB will continue after graduation through mentorship and outreach. Growing up in Miramichi, I know how important it is to inspire young people to pursue higher education, as others inspired me. I plan to visit local high schools to share my UNB experience, including my role as a research assistant through the UNB Work-Study Program. I want students to see that a Bachelor of Nursing can lead to research, leadership, and meaningful community impact as well as bedside care. I also hope to stay involved through continuing to mentor nursing students, becoming a clinical instructor, and supporting student initiatives run by the Nursing Society. As my career progresses, I intend to support UNB students in every way I can. I want students to see the doors that UNB can open when they are passionate about something. I hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams, just as others have inspired me. Being able to provide that hope and encouragement would be incredibly meaningful.