To be a nurse means more than being a caregiver; it means being selfless, compassionate and committed to serving patients and their families with top-notch care. Nursing is also a passion and requires a deep desire to care for others both physically and emotionally. My decision to be a nurse stems from this deep desire to care for others. I enjoy helping people and doing what I can to enhance the lives of those around me. As a kid, I had many different career goals (that changed every year) and it wasn’t until the early years of college that I realized nursing was my true calling. Upon landing an internship through the Cleveland Clinic, I had the opportunity to work in pharmacy and shadow many other areas of health care. There was one particular occasion when I shadowed a phenomenal nurse in the OB unit, and instantaneously, I fell in love with nursing. This phenomenal nurse’s name is Dorothy, who has become my mentor, my referent, encouragement and my friend. She brought me into her unit as her mentee and student, teaching valuable skills and allowing me to learn using a hands-on approach, (which was something other health care professionals were apprehensive about during other internship experiences).
Through this experience, the usually shy Jacquia found her niche. When a new and unfamiliar situation made me nervous, Dorothy encouraged me to, “Just go in there and do it. Have some confidence…you know what you’re doing.” I began to feel a sense of comfort and accomplishment dealing with patients and families. I found myself using those valuable skills, learning more and getting better each day. The internship wasn’t just a job, it had become my life and something that I looked forward to every summer. Whether it was simply saying “good morning” or refilling a patients’ water jug, I felt like I was making a difference in someone’s life.
Following the internship, I graduated from Ohio State University (OSU) with a degree in human ecology. After failing to earn a spot in the nursing program at OSU, I didn’t give up. Dorothy encouraged me to apply for a post-baccalaureate or graduate nursing program, and now, I’m a nursing student at Kent State University. Prior to receiving the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) scholarship, I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to fund my education and I doubted my ability to obtain such a prestigious award. Receiving this award not only made my goal financially attainable, but has also given me a renewed sense of accomplishment and determination. This award will be a constant reminder that I can achieve any goal I set my mind to, even when the road to success is a long one! This award has inspired me to encourage others to follow their dreams and continue to set goals, even when they seem unattainable! I am now very confident and eager to begin my career as a nurse! Thank you, RWJF!
