Aja
Wilson
December 2024
Aja
Wilson
Boise State University School of Nursing
Boise
,
ID
United States
Aja has been instrumental in developing and shaping this pilot program. She actively collaborated with me to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on the program's effectiveness, which was crucial in presenting our case to the School of Nursing (SON) leadership.
I am honored to nominate Aja Wilson for the DAISY Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions as the first Learning Assistant (LA) in the School of Nursing at Boise State University. Aja's journey began in Spring 2024 when she applied for this pioneering role after excelling in NURS 332 (Med Surg I), a course she took with me. Among five strong candidates, Aja was selected by the Boise State Advising and Academic Support Center (AASC) Programs Coordinator due to her exceptional academic skills, leadership qualities, and passion for helping her peers succeed.
As our inaugural Learning Assistant, Aja has truly set the standard for this role. She attends class regularly, providing invaluable support to both students and faculty. Each week, she organizes and facilitates three group study sessions, creating a collaborative environment where students can deepen their understanding of challenging course material. Beyond this, Aja participates in weekly professional development sessions with AASC, where she hones her leadership skills and learns best practices for supporting peers in an academic setting. Her dedication to these sessions has not only enhanced her own skills but has also greatly benefited the students she assists. Aja has been instrumental in developing and shaping this pilot program. She actively collaborated with me to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on the program's effectiveness, which was crucial in presenting our case to the School of Nursing (SON) leadership.
Thanks to her hard work and commitment, the program has received approval to expand, and we will now have four Learning Assistant positions starting in Spring 2025. These LAs will provide support across critical courses in our Pre-L nursing program, including NURS 240 (Pharmacology), NURS 332 and 342 (Med Surg I/II), and NURS 344 (Mother-Baby). Aja's leadership, initiative, and dedication to student success have been nothing short of inspiring. She has not only excelled academically but has also paved the way for future Learning Assistants, ensuring that this program continues to grow and benefit students across the School of Nursing. Aja embodies the spirit of nursing through her compassion, support, and unwavering commitment to the success of her peers. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
As our inaugural Learning Assistant, Aja has truly set the standard for this role. She attends class regularly, providing invaluable support to both students and faculty. Each week, she organizes and facilitates three group study sessions, creating a collaborative environment where students can deepen their understanding of challenging course material. Beyond this, Aja participates in weekly professional development sessions with AASC, where she hones her leadership skills and learns best practices for supporting peers in an academic setting. Her dedication to these sessions has not only enhanced her own skills but has also greatly benefited the students she assists. Aja has been instrumental in developing and shaping this pilot program. She actively collaborated with me to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on the program's effectiveness, which was crucial in presenting our case to the School of Nursing (SON) leadership.
Thanks to her hard work and commitment, the program has received approval to expand, and we will now have four Learning Assistant positions starting in Spring 2025. These LAs will provide support across critical courses in our Pre-L nursing program, including NURS 240 (Pharmacology), NURS 332 and 342 (Med Surg I/II), and NURS 344 (Mother-Baby). Aja's leadership, initiative, and dedication to student success have been nothing short of inspiring. She has not only excelled academically but has also paved the way for future Learning Assistants, ensuring that this program continues to grow and benefit students across the School of Nursing. Aja embodies the spirit of nursing through her compassion, support, and unwavering commitment to the success of her peers. She is truly deserving of this recognition.