It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate Shanté for her outstanding contributions and dedication as a leader, role model, and patient advocate. She consistently demonstrates integrity, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond to help others and participate in meaningful causes. I came to note these qualities about Shanté when I met Shanté in my first-semester pharmacology class. If you have had Shanté in class, you can relate to this:

On day one, she was right up at that bunker, asking questions for a better understanding of the material but also seeking out ways to be successful. From that day on, she stood out. She stood out as a caring, compassionate, supportive individual. I saw week to week how she interacted with her classmates, providing encouragement and holding others accountable. I saw a strong individual who was here for the right reason; she wanted to be a nurse and be successful. I also saw a leader. Others and I were able to convince her to join the Student Nurses Association (SNA) for the second semester; she hesitated at first because she wasn’t sure she could give her all and didn’t want to let the team down. That is one thing about Shanté; she gives her everything. Shanté served on the SNA for her remaining time in the program, and I feel she strongly supported her faculty advisors and fellow peers. Not once did she hesitate to cheer others on, hold others accountable, or step up when there was a need.

Over two years, I’ve seen Shanté demonstrate remarkable growth in her confidence, proficiency, and mastery of nursing skills, seeing her in my Physical Assessment lab, Med/Surg. 1 class, & 3rd semester clinical. Shanté advocates for her patients and meets their needs with empathy and respect. She excels in utilizing therapeutic communication, providing patient education, and building rapport to foster trust and understanding. Her ability to connect with patients and their families exemplifies her unwavering dedication to delivering quality care. She has a willingness to help future nurses.

Once, she stopped by my Med/Surg 1 class to say hello and give advice to my students, saying, “Hey, everyone! Concept Maps are helpful.” Shanté has been up for clinical challenges and rises to the occasion. I remember telling her, "I’m going to assign you to 2 patients now; I feel you’re ready." She enjoyed it and asked me to assign her to 3 patients the following week. No nursing student has ever asked me for more patients or more work during their clinical rotation ever. Her increased knowledge and clinical performance reflect her commitment to professional and personal development.

Her professional interactions with faculty, peers, staff, and patients should be both commended and recognized. Shanté's enthusiasm for learning and dedication to excellence have left a lasting impression on the nursing program. Congratulations Shanté’!