Munster resident, Russian native to graduate with nursing degree

If one were to listen to and watch Svetlana Sparber and Maureen Marthaler communicate, their bond suggests that of a strong friendship, not a student-teacher relationship. Well, maybe they have both.

Sparber, 47, received an associate degree in nursing at Purdue University Calumet Fall Commencement Exercises, Dec. 16.

According to Sparber, a Munster resident and native of Russia, she never would have made it through school without the help of Purdue Calumet Assistant Professor of Nursing Marthaler.

"English is my second language," Sparber said. "When I came to the university, I didn't expect the difficulty in application questions; I didn't understand. If it weren't for Maureen Marthaler, I wouldn't be graduating, but I did my part, too; I worked very hard."

"Svetlana has overcome great adversity to become a nurse," Marthaler said. "The computer was so new to her, but she worked until she could use it to her best interest and that was to succeed. She is a hero in my eyes."

According to Sparber, she came to the United States 13 years ago and was self-employed as a nail technician. As she learned more English, she said she felt she "needed more of a challenge." Then, when her mother-in-law developed heart problems, she decided to pursue a nursing degree. She said that she earned a physician assistant degree in Russia and was "fascinated by medicine in the United States."

Sparber and Marthaler agree that although Sparber could communicate in English, she sometimes felt like she was learning two languages at one time-English and nursing.

"Svetlana sought out help when she needed to," Marthaler said. "Every suggestion I gave her she completed and was so ever gracious and successful. On one of her last final exams, she received the highest score."

Marthaler added that she would keep a dictionary handy during tests so Sparber could look up words.

According to Sparber, she sought help in the university's writing laboratory and was assisted by many faculty and staff members on campus.

"It was a very special experience and wonderful journey," she said. "I'm very thankful for the people who helped me get where I am. I didn't do it alone; I got a lot of support. If people like me have dreams and work hard, they can get there."

Sparber has accepted a registered nurse position on the medical-surgery floor at The Community Hospital in Munster.

Said Marthaler: "Her love of life, family and nursing will be an asset to any patient care she renders."

Said Sparber, "I want to be the best I possibly can."

"She will," Marthaler added.