Extendicare Nurse Practitioner Scholarship

My journey to a nursing career began during a volunteer summer experience caring for children in Riverton, Kingston, Jamaica. Witnessing how even relatively small improvements in the health and well-being of children through the care they received, had a life changing impact. From a young age I had understood how compassion for members of marginalized populations could lead to dramatically improved life outcomes. This Jamaica experience clarified for me what my life’s vocation would be.

I then decided to refocus my academic studies in order to qualify for a nursing degree program. Hard work resulted in admission to the School of Nursing at Ryerson University and four more years of intensive effort. The day after my graduation, I began my career at St. Michael’s Hospital as a mental health nurse where for the next nine years I continued my professional development through course work, attaining the CPMHN designation, and through a secondment to a community-based clinic. Throughout my career, I am most proud of my ability to persevere in the face of adversity, while strongly advocating for exceptional and just patient care.

A decision to further my professional career through the Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Toronto was the next logical continuation of my personal journey of service and care for others.