I had the privilege to be in Dr. Montgomery's lab for Med Surg II. During our simulations and debriefs she always made a point to provide constructive criticism when needed and praise when deserved.

Dr. Montgomery made a point every week to ask for prayer requests and then the following week would be sure to check in with the individuals who had made them so that she could follow up or share comforting words. She always made a point to understand our circumstances; not only as nursing students but as people. She made the lab fun and enjoyable but made sure we left with more knowledge than what we came in with.

Dr. Montgomery was gracious with mistakes and made sure nobody left feeling defeated. During our time in debrief she made each Simulation participant share one thing that we felt we did well and one area of improvement. Dr. Montgomery made a point to not use the word mistake. She taught us that if something went wrong it was only an opportunity to learn and do things differently next time.

She made a point to check in with where we all were in our preceptorship rotations and what specialty made us most passionate about nursing. She would make comments that in a few months we would "all be colleagues in nursing" and that our success was important to her. Dr. Montgomery's confidence in our abilities gave all of us the confidence we needed to have in ourselves.

At the end of the semester, I received devastating news regarding my grade in the MS ll lecture course. I reached out to Dr. Montgomery to make her aware that I was having a difficult time dealing with my circumstances and if it was okay with her, I may have to excuse myself for a moment from class without being able to ask aloud. Not only did she respond allowing me permission to take a minute for myself if need be; but also offered her own experience with similar circumstances. Before I left the lab that afternoon, she offered an open door policy if I ever needed to talk to someone, along with much-needed prayers. When I returned to campus this Spring and began taking the MS ll lecture course for the second time, I was struggling mentally. I reached out to Dr. Montgomery to take her up on her offer to chat about things that were going on. We made an appointment so that I could stop by her office later that week. I don't have a lot of recollection of what I said but I am sure the majority of it came out like word vomit as I tried to articulate everything I was feeling and why. That meeting with Dr. Montgomery was the first time in two months that I felt understood in the way I was feeling and at peace with my circumstances. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Montgomery for restoring my faith in my ability to be what a Bulldog Nurse should be.

The Hunt School of Nursing is full of wonderful and caring educators but Dr. Montgomery has had the greatest and most everlasting impression on me; as a student nurse and as a person. I think that her kindness, patience, and passion: in and out of the classroom, deserves to be recognized and awarded.