Kelly has been such a nurturing presence in our program since day 1. As first-year nursing students, we come to our first class looking and feeling like a deer in headlights. Our nerves were quickly settled when Kelly introduced herself. She expressed her love for what she does, and her love for mentoring students and watching them grow throughout the years. You got a sense that when she tells you, "If you need anything, please reach out," she truly means it. Her wisdom is not just limited to the curriculum, either. She has taught us several life lessons about empathy and compassion, whether she knows it or not. Kelly was the professor you would be grateful for when she was involved in your class schedule and jealous of those who had her when you didn't. I feel extremely lucky that I got to call Kelly my professor, but even luckier that I get to continue to call her my mentor.