There have been many people that have influenced my life. Presently, I am fortunate enough to have been included in the life of Janice Saunders. She is a fellow student at the University of Texas in Tyler. Janice is a single mother who cleans houses on a weekly basis to pay her way through nursing school. I have learned about her life challenges and sacrifices as our friendship developed. She had cared for an ailing mother by herself while raising her children. She encourages and supports her children to become professional people. When her mother passed away due to endometriosis, Janice knew she would go back to school for her degree in nursing. The theme of this year’s convention is “Nursing: A Journey into the New Frontier.”  Janice represents that theme. Though her journey may be difficult at times, she guides and propels myself and others through this rigorous but fulfilling nursing degree program. She has passed on to me what many professors don’t impart, that is, compassion, love and respect, loyalty, dedication strength and resilience and hope.

 

Janice consistently sets examples for me and TNSA’s Vice President, Charles Dunnahoe. She devotes precious hours of community service while struggling with her life and school demands. Her dedication and faith in other’s ability is

unequalled by many and appreciated by those she enlightens. She pushes herself beyond what her fragile body appears to endure. Her spirit to become a nurse and to be a mother to her classmates that need someone to turn to is beyond compare. She represents the future of our profession. She exhibits sacrifice, determination, and compassion.

 

So I ask my fellow student nurses, how will we be perceived? Do we understand and follow Janice’s example? Will we respond with the kindness, compassion, and professionalism to our colleagues and fulfill the needs of our patients? We must keep the candle of compassion and service alive within us. We as student nurses must respond to the call of our new president of this great nation to cooperate and work for the good of our fellow man. We must grow as a profession to be the best for the good of all.  We must all contribute to change the future. We are the future of the nursing profession. TNSA and the individuals in it will take this journey together.

 

I think the quote from John Wesley is appropriate to describe my friend Janice and set the path for all of us.

 

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all of the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.” For all of the Janice Saunders to push others to become better, thank you.

The Unforgettable Classmate

Ellerson Pork

TNSA President

“Never, Never, Never give up.”  A quote by Winston Churchill has never been so true.  I had to overcome several obstacles my second semester.  More than once I found myself sitting in the office of Ms. Cindy James, my first semester clinical instructor.  Every time I entered her office I was at the point of giving up. After short and sometimes very long conversations, I was again confident and a renewed spirit ready to tackle the world.  From the beginning she took my fellow classmates and I under her wing. Ms. James is the type of instructor that always showed unconditional respect for her students.  She has the ability to make each student feel confident while working on the floor. Ms. James has numerous outstanding qualities that are unforgettable by those who meet her. These qualities include patience, respect, compassion, and loyalty towards all of her students.  As with all beginning nursing students at UT Tyler we start our clinicals in the nursing home.  Ms. James made me feel as though I had been working there for years.  As our first semester progressed, we grew as student nurses and transitioned into the hospital setting.  By pushing us and making us feel more and more confident, she encouraged us through the tough times.   By the end of my first semester of clinicals I felt as though I could do almost anything.  Ms. James’ patience is unparalleled as an instructor; she will continue to work with any student for as long as it takes so that student can grasp the concept they are struggling with.  Her loyalty makes her the type of instructor that students always feel comfortable talking with because they know their conversations are and always will be confidential.  Ms. James’ compassion for humankind is far more reaching than nursing school, she not only works full-time as my instructor but also part-time at a nursing home.  She even takes care of her elderly mother on a full time basis.  A quote that I’m sure Mr. Churchill would use if he had of known Ms. James would have been “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! For all that you do!”  Ms. James, I humbly thank you for all that you do for your nursing students.

Clinical Instructor Encourages Students to Persevere

Charles Dunnahoe

TNSA Vice-President