Stanley Anianwu
SUNY Canton Nursing major Stanley Anianwu of the Bronx has found purpose in patient care.
“I enjoy the hands-on work and the small impact I make on my clients' lives—whether it’s listening to their stories or making them laugh,” he said. “I hope to bring those skills into my professional work.”
His journey at SUNY Canton has been one of self-discovery. “In high school, I was a different person,” he recalled. “Being here, away from everything I knew, gave me the chance to grow into someone my younger self could only dream of being.”
He credits Nursing Instructor Karli French for helping him navigate the challenges of his first year. “Karli’s approach helped me push through a difficult school year,” he said.
Looking back, he values the lessons SUNY Canton has taught him. “I used to be so self-conscious, but I’ve realized that no one is really thinking about me,” he said. “Their opinions don’t change what I decide to do with my life.”
After graduation in May 2025, Stanley plans to return to the city and work as an intensive care unit nurse and eventually pursue a CRNA degree.
“My family is full of nurses, and my parents taught me everything about compassion and giving back,” he said. “It’s one of the most important aspects of being a nurse.”