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<\/a>\u201cThe day we received our notice we were accepted into the program was the day each of us walked into a somewhat frightening unknown. We began this journey in August of 2020 during the peak of Covid in our nation and only five months after the first positive case was reported in Mississippi. Yet, we all decided to sign up for whatever the next two years might bring us,\u201d said Kelly.<\/p>\nImmediately, this group of students learned Covid Protocols and learned while in quarantine through a computer and wearing a mask. Learning to adapt alongside their instructors, Kelly shared the Class of 2022 had some fun memories too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made the best of our situation even though our situation was not the best. In Nursing 3 and 4 we finally got a glimpse of what regular nursing would look like,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cWe began to associate a name with a face and created lifelong friendships too.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was during the final semester of nursing school these graduates said they \u201cWe navigated intense emotions, debates, and general paperwork with this event. The biggest lesson we learned however was there is immense power in compassionate and considerate coexistence. Together, no matter what our beliefs or stance on any topic, we learned how to acknowledge humanity in one another,\u201d said Kelly. However, she continued, \u201cIn Nursing 5 we all grew to admire our profession and began to master the power of harnessing harmful emotions and replaced them with civility and compassion instead.\u201d<\/p>\n Additionally, during their five semesters, the nursing students overcame numerous obstacles while simultaneously being full time parents, full and part time employees, caretakers and they also dealt with various degrees of grief.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we mourn our old reality, many of us continue to mourn the loss of people we loved,\u201d shared Kelly. \u201cRegardless, we leave here today not only as soon-to-be registered nurses, but as changed human beings. May we continue to use our voice for kindness, our ears for compassionate listening, our hands for healing, our minds for truth and hearts to love.\u201d<\/p>\n Director of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, Mike Cummings agreed \u201cThey didn\u2019t have to continue. They could have chosen to take a different career path because of all they experienced but they didn\u2019t,\u201d said Cummings. \u201cThey continued to show up and do the work and accomplished what they set out to accomplish. They were committed and remained flexible as the world changed before them. We commend you. Job well done!\u201d<\/p>\n Noting that the nursing curriculum is one of the more difficult programs to pass, 糖心直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith said this class has endured extreme challenges. Even so, he shared there\u2019s nothing more important than educating outstanding nurses.<\/p>\n Perhaps the overall difference for these 28 graduates\u2019 ability to reach today\u2019s Pinning and Graduation Ceremony, Smith said is the supportive network of family and friends. Just like the nursing school tradition of the Lighting of the Lamp demonstrates the passing on of knowledge from nursing faculty to graduates, Smith said he is also impressed with the 糖心直播 nursing faculty\u2019s ability to adapt to the changes, while still managing to keep what\u2019s most important, first and foremost.<\/p>\n For more information about the Associate Degree Nursing program at 糖心直播 check out the website, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/programs\/adn\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a> learned the biggest lesson of all. While navigating through the news of vaccine mandates, these nurses learned an important life lesson.<\/p>\n<\/a> that this class was challenged to the extreme. However, in the face of our number one health crisis, he praised this class for coming to work regardless.<\/p>\n<\/a>\u201cEverything has to change in nursing school. The way you think, the way you sleep, the way you study, the tears, the joys, the ups and downs, and in the middle of a pandemic with all of those challenges, you\u2019ve succeeded,\u201d said Smith. \u201cRemember our motto is, \u2018Inspiring Greatness\u2019 and we expect you to do so. It\u2019s a long road ahead but it\u2019s very rewarding. We expect you to make this world a better place because we know you are eminently prepared to take this next step.\u201d<\/p>\n