TD Aboriginal Nursing Fund Award

I am currently entering my third year of the Bachelor of Nursing Transfer program, at the University of Calgary.  I have a unique academic background in Business Administration, where I graduated with a major in Finance and the university prize in 2010.  I was drawn to nursing for several reasons.  After volunteering and participating in the “Score it” program for stroke victims, I felt both a desire and passion for working with people in need.  In 2010 after experiencing my own family tragedy, I became dedicated to finding meaning and peace for those experiencing hardship.  I feel that nursing combines the compassionate art of patient-centered care and yet also involves the complexity of evidence-based research and treatment.  In the words of Maya Angelou, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves.  They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. I lead a very busy life during the school year.  I competitively curl twice a week, volunteer on the Student Teacher Advisory Group for the Faculty of Nursing and have recently become the Assistant Director of the Mental Awareness Club at the University of Calgary.  I also currently work as a Nursing Attendant on the Internal Medicine/Respiratory Medicine and Medical Assessment Units at Rockyview General Hospital. My future career plans are to finish my Bachelor’s degree and gain relevant experience in critical care nursing. My long term goals are to become a Nurse Practitioner. I would like to sincerely give thanks for this award which will greatly assist me during my undergraduate program.