Neither alumna was completely prepared for the reality in the northeast, but they both made it work and honored their profession. Springfield worked tirelessly to keep her patients comfortable in spite of a drug shortage, while Enlow finally repaired the oxygen port in her patient’s room herself, so he could have access to oxygen without needing a tank.

It was a unique experience: one nurse to 20 patients, equipment shortages, and faces ravaged by the masks they wore 12 hours at a time.

While we know they’re both heroes, they aren’t comfortable with the moniker.

“I just knew I could help,” Enlow said. “I think the biggest message that I would like people to take away from my experience is that whether it’s a pandemic or something small, like holding the door open for someone, it all matters. All of our service, no matter the magnitude, can add up to make a big difference.”