CNSA Nursing Student Award
My name is Sierra Lillies, I’m a nursing student from Chilliwack, BC. As the daughter of a cancer survivor and a paramedic, my passion for healthcare was shaped early on. In high school, I watched my mother endure the physical, emotional, and mental toll of cancer treatments. Those formative years left a deep impact on me. I knew I wanted to be the kind of nurse who could support patients and their families through their most vulnerable moments. My father, a paramedic for over 21 years, also showed me the dedication, resilience, and compassion this work demands.
I’m currently an employed student nurse in the emergency department, and it has truly been one of the most incredible and transformative experiences. Every shift, I learn from nurses who embody the kind of care, skill, and empathy I aspire to provide. I hope to one day become a critical care nurse and be there for patients the way my coworkers are for theirs.
Outside of school and work, I use my social media to share my journey as a nursing student and to bring awareness to the realities of healthcare. I’m passionate about creating a positive, relatable space online, one that inspires future nurses and shows the human side of this profession. I’m currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of the Fraser Valley, working toward my dream of working in critical care.
