Daville Ansick, a proud alumna of Pahrump Valley High School’s Class of 2015, looks back on her journey with appreciation and warmth. From being crowned homecoming queen in high school to becoming a cardiac nurse in California, her experiences have shaped her personally and professionally. The connections she formed, the lessons she gained, and the memories she treasures from her time in Pahrump continue to influence her life today.
Daville’s time at PVHS holds a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, ranging from academics to sports to friendships. For her, the relationships built with friends, coaches, and teachers are what made high school so special. “It’s difficult to pick just one fond memory,” she says. “Some of the best moments were during cross-country meets—like when we’d sing on the bus rides home just to drive our coaches crazy.” She recalls her coaches, Mr. Kolodzieczyk, Mr. Funk, and Mr. Anderson, not only for their humor but for the life lessons they imparted. “They made every race memorable, whether it was a lesson to learn from or a celebration.”
One particularly unique memory involved a ceramics class tradition: a glaze fight. “We had to dispose of old glaze, and it ended up turning into a glaze fight—like a food fight, but with glaze!” she says. “It was a mess, but it was so much fun. Mrs. Funk was the best; she made sure her classroom was a safe space for everyone.”
Another highlight was her senior year when Daville was unexpectedly crowned homecoming queen. “I still don’t know why I was picked, but it was such a surreal moment. My friends were just as excited as I was, and the whole night felt like a dream,” she recalls.
Participating in cross-country was not only a high school highlight but a mental and emotional outlet. “Running helped me clear my mind and manage the stresses of school and life. It gave me a place to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.” The team’s camaraderie fostered a sense of belonging, with everyone supporting one another both on and off the course. “Those friendships, along with the support from my coaches, made cross-country feel like a second family,” she reflects.
Beyond sports, Daville found joy in her academic pursuits. Her favorite classes included British Literature AP, anatomy, and ceramics, where she explored her creative side. Volunteering as a library aide also gave her time to connect with teachers, build skills, and give back to the school community. “I learned so much during those years—especially about the importance of teamwork, accountability, and problem-solving.”
After graduating from PVHS, Daville initially pursued veterinary medicine, enrolling in a trade school to become a licensed veterinary technician. For several years, she worked in two animal hospitals, one of which specialized in treating autoimmune diseases and allergies in pets. “I loved it so much and enjoyed every moment caring for animals,” she shares. Despite her success in veterinary care, Daville still carried a dream of working in human healthcare.
In 2020, with encouragement from friends and family, Daville enrolled in Chamberlain University’s accelerated nursing program in Las Vegas. The pandemic made the experience especially challenging. “The first year was tough. Most of our classes were online, and it was hard not being able to connect with classmates face-to-face,” she explains. But her determination carried her through, and she eventually transferred to an in-person program in Los Angeles, where she built strong friendships and gained clinical experience.
While in school, Daville worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at PIH Health, the same hospital where she now works as an RN. “Starting as a CNA allowed me to get hands-on experience and truly understand the hospital environment. It was an essential step in my nursing journey,” she says. After graduating in June 2024 and passing her state boards in California, Daville accepted her first nursing position on the hospital’s cardiac unit, where she continues to thrive. “Being able to help people through difficult times is what makes this career so rewarding. Every day brings something new, and I’m continuously learning.”
Throughout her nursing education, Daville remained actively involved in various community service and professional organizations, enriching both her personal and professional development. She served as a representative for the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) at her school and participated in student government, where she worked alongside peers to address student needs and organize events. Her passion for helping others extended beyond healthcare; she volunteered at the Animal Foundation and the American Red Cross, giving back to the community whenever she had the opportunity. Daville also supported local businesses by hosting creative events, including Murder Mystery nights at a friend’s coffee shop last fall. These experiences not only strengthened her leadership skills but also deepened her commitment to making a positive impact on the people and places around her.
Daville’s success didn’t come without challenges. Balancing the demands of nursing school while maintaining relationships with family and friends required careful planning. “Socially and mentally, I was drained. It was hard being there for the people I cared about when all my time was consumed by studying and homework,” she admits. To cope, Daville made time for quick weekend trips and stayed connected with loved ones through phone calls during her long commutes to school and clinicals.
Her support system played a critical role in her journey. “My brothers, Davidson and Dalton, have been my biggest supporters. They’re my best friends, and whenever I needed encouragement, they were always there,” she shares. Daville also shares a close and meaningful relationship with her boyfriend, Cristian Balding, a fellow PVHS graduate from the Class of 2014. Although they knew each other in high school and had a few classes together, it wasn’t until later that their connection blossomed. “I always thought he was pretty cute,” Daville recalls with a smile. Over the past four years, their relationship has grown into a deep partnership built on love and support. Cristian moved to Los Angeles to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering at USC, and the two have been inseparable ever since. “He has been my biggest supporter through nursing school, always showing up when I needed him most. I couldn’t have done it without him,” Daville says. Cristian not only helped her search for nursing programs but also stood by her side during the toughest moments of her education, encouraging her every step of the way. Today, they share a life in Los Angeles with their three beloved pets—a pair of dogs and a cat—whom they affectionately consider their “children.” Daville describes Cristian as her best friend and biggest cheerleader, grateful for the unwavering encouragement that has helped her become the person she is today.
Her grandmother’s belief in her dream to become a nurse was another source of motivation. “She told me all she wanted was for me to find happiness in a career that would provide for me. I like to think I’ve achieved that,” Daville says with pride.
Though she now lives in Los Angeles, Daville makes it a point to stay connected with her PVHS roots. She participates in the PVHS Class of 2015 Facebook group and looks forward to their ten-year reunion next year. “I can’t wait to catch up with old friends and see where life has taken everyone,” she says excitedly. Daville also keeps in touch with her former teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Kolodzieczyk, by sending letters and photos. “I love writing letters—it’s a great way to stay connected, and it keeps my grammar in check thanks to my old English teachers,” she jokes.
Looking ahead, Daville aspires to expand her nursing career by earning a master’s degree and becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). “I want to have a larger role in healthcare and believe that becoming an NP will allow me to help people on a deeper level,” she shares. Additionally, she is excited about ongoing performance improvement projects at PIH Health, specifically those aimed at enhancing patient education.
In her personal life, Daville enjoys art, traveling, and attending concerts. One of her favorite experiences was traveling to New Jersey to visit her brothers and see The Killers- a Las Vegas based band – perform live. “It felt like I had a piece of Nevada with me all the way across the country.” One of Daville’s favorite things to do is paint and one thing she specializes in are pet portraits. She even still does commissions when she can. “It’s something that is relaxing and fun for me to do. I really enjoy anything that allows me to be creative,” she says.
As she reflects on her journey, Daville emphasizes the importance of following one’s dreams, even when the path isn’t straightforward. “My journey has been anything but easy, and I’ve learned that’s okay. Sometimes life takes you down unexpected paths, but those detours teach you the most,” she says. Her advice to others is simple: “Give yourself grace, take breaks when you need them, and never give up. Lean on your support system and trust the process.”
From her fond memories at PVHS to her career in healthcare, Daville Ansick’s experiences reflect the meaningful connections and challenges that have influenced her path. Grateful for the support she’s received and the lessons she’s learned, along with an unwavering commitment to learning and growth, Daville is excited for what the future holds—knowing that every step along the way, no matter how challenging, has shaped her into the person she is today.
