I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica Tomita during her time in Psychiatric Nursing class and its clinical component. It was shortly after our Fall course began that Jessica expressed her interest in psychiatric nursing. As quiet as she was at the time, it was amazing to have this boisterous proponent in our group who was there to support those struggling with mental illness and the stigma that is commonly associated with this population.

Having Jessica on the mental health unit at one of our clinical facilities was a delight. She was truly in an environment where she felt content, thrived, and desired to help any and all within her reach.

Jessica's assignments were filled with details and her heart-felt thoughts about her time in the adolescent and adult mental health units. In one entry she described her time in clinical as "it never seeming to last long enough". In another, she stated, "I know this is the area that I want to work in, it's what I am meant to do". On another day she wrote, "I made it a point of sitting with a young girl who was alone, and I listened to her which is what she needed." I can recall a time that was touching to me as I witnessed Jessica joining an individual who was in an unpleasant state, pacing back and forth. She accompanied her fellow human, focusing solely on her needs and offering companionship, kindness, and acceptance, regardless of the stares they received. She worked to build a rapport and show this important individual that she was there to listen in a nonjudgmental way.

Jessica was quick to compliment one of the mental health staff on their work with young adolescent patients during a wellness group she was involved with. She was appreciative of her inclusion into the group as well as the valuable new knowledge she took away.

It was inspiring to read one of Jessica's outpatient clinical assignments which discussed her time with a community health nurse who has been a favorite of many current and past students. She mentioned how she had a wonderful experience going into the community and working with those who were homeless and living with the struggles of addiction, mental illness, or both. She proudly stated that her experiences on this day provided even more motivation for her in becoming a mental health nurse and her eventual and ultimate goal of becoming a mental health nurse practitioner.

Jessica's fondness for vulnerable populations, her deep compassion, devotion, and advocacy were quite evident during the fall semester. I am honored to have seen her so independently connecting with patients and witnessed her exceptional care and humanity!