Sharon Nield Memorial Award

I am grateful and honoured to receive the Sharon Nield Memorial Scholarship. I am a fourth year student in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the University of Victoria, currently completing my studies in rural BC. This contribution will allow me to remain focused on my studies and will decrease the stress associated with meeting daily needs while attending a high demand program.

I have a strong passion for community development, universal health care and equity. Tommy Douglas continues to be one of my greatest inspirations. Nurses straddle the line between direct patient care and the policies that affect the health of our society; this unique position is why I decided to pursue a career in nursing. Last semester, I successfully implemented a campaign aimed at registering youth to vote and educating the population about the links between political participation and the health of communities. This project has now become the basis for a multi-community initiative that involves individuals of all ages and from all lifestyles who are working hard to promote healthy political participation within the West Kootenays. By attending a two-day Canadian Nurses Association network meeting, I have also had the opportunity to see how policy is shaped on a large scale. Aside from my community-based aspirations, I love working in critical care and am employed as a student nurse working in the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department at our Regional Hospital.

Many thanks!