The Power of Applied Learning at the University of Bridgeport

By Sebastiao Dossantos

One of the most meaningful experiences I have had since I started studying at the University of Bridgeport happened during the summer semester while I was taking a Microbiology class. At the same time, I was working as a CNA and caring for a patient who had an MRSA infection after having brain surgery.

I remember feeling nervous because I did not want to make a mistake, and the patient’s wife did not understand much about the medical field because of her personal beliefs. When I paused and thought about what I had learned in my Microbiology class, everything started to make sense. It came back to me how MRSA spreads, why the gown and gloves are so important, and the steps I needed to follow to keep both the patient and myself safe. Since I was learning so much about bacteria and MRSA in class, I began to feel confident enough to answer her questions and explain the situation in a calm and respectful way. That moment showed me how powerful it feels when what you learn in class becomes something you can actually use to help someone.

At that moment, I realized that what I was learning at the University of Bridgeport was not just material for an exam. It was knowledge that I could use in real life. That experience meant a lot to me because it boosted my confidence and made me feel like I was growing academically and professionally.

Experiences like this matter because they show students that learning has a real purpose. It is one thing to study the material for an exam, but it feels very different when the information you learned actually helps you support a real person in a difficult moment. I believe the University of Bridgeport helped make this experience possible because even in an online setting, the class felt supportive, and the professor created an environment where students could understand and apply the material.

My professor explained the lessons in a way that connected the science to real situations, which made it easier for me to remember and use the information. The class also felt open and welcoming, and students were encouraged to ask questions and share examples from their own lives.

Experiences like this can help shape students into people who understand the impact they can have on others. When education feels meaningful, students carry that feeling into their work and their communities. In my case, the knowledge I gained at the University of Bridgeport helped me protect a patient and reassure his family. If more students have moments where their learning connects directly to real life, they will become more confident, responsible, and caring individuals. This leads to stronger and healthier communities, and it shows the real value of a good learning environment.

Sebastiao Dossantos

Sebastiao is an ADN student at the University of Bridgeport. He is originally from Brazil and now lives in Connecticut. He is passionate about healthcare and enjoys learning new skills that will help him in his career. In his free time, he likes running, going to the gym, and reading books. These hobbies help him stay focused, balanced, and motivated.