Amber Baranek, a 6th-semester nursing student, has demonstrated exceptional compassion, dedication, and leadership in both her academic endeavors and her support of her fellow students. In response to a call for collaboration to improve the NURS 332 (Med Surg 1) course, Amber volunteered her time alongside two other students to enhance the learning experience and course structure.

Over the course of several weeks, she dedicated 1.5-2 hours per week to meetings with faculty and students, actively contributing to the redesign of course materials, providing feedback on question structure, and developing new assignments to enrich learning opportunities. Amber's commitment to her peers extends beyond the classroom. Recognizing a need for academic support among her fellow students, she took it upon herself to provide tutoring services to a 5th-semester student who lacked adequate resources through the university's Academic Services. Despite her demanding schedule as a full-time nursing student, Amber generously offered her time to assist this student, meeting with them weekly to clarify course content and offer guidance.

Amber's unwavering dedication to improving the educational experience for herself and her peers exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate and selfless nurse. Her willingness to go above and beyond in her academic and extracurricular pursuits makes her a wonderful candidate for the DAISY Student Nurse Award. Amber's commitment to excellence and her compassionate spirit make her a shining example of the values celebrated by the DAISY Foundation.