Dr. Zepure Samawi embodies the definition of the DAISY Award, she goes above and beyond for caring for her patients as well as caring for her students. I had the pleasure to have Dr. Samawi as my instructor for my Senior I Holistic Assessment as well as my clinical instructor for my Senior I Practicum. Although I have met many wonderful teachers during my time at Saint Xavier University I have never met anyone like Dr. Samawi. Dr. Samawi would take time outside of class to create case studies following the Next Gen NCLEX guidelines following what she was going to lecture. The case studies were then taught in class and used to not only prepare us for what we were learning in class and for the NCLEX however they were used for us to critically think and analyze what was going on with the simulated patient. Dr. Samawi is always available for her students outside of class and spends hours in her office preparing for in class lectures, completing research projects with students, and simply being available for her students. If a student ever misses Dr. Samawi’s lecture and did not previously email her regarding the absence she will first hand reach out to the student the following class to ensure the student is doing okay and provide them the missed notes as well as offer her personal time as a resource to review the missed class time. During Senior I Clinical Dr. Samawi went above and beyond preparing her students to enter clinical showing us what the definition of a nurse is - someone who is compassionate, uses critical thinking skills, comes prepared, is faithful to the profession, and the most important advocates for the clients. What stands out to me the most is that Dr. Samawi did not teach both of these courses in hopes that students would receive a good score, she taught these courses to help us become better prepared for the real world as we prepare to transition into the nursing profession. Dr. Samawi’s motto is to treat every patient as if they were your family member, this showed me how to not only better connect with my patients but it drew me to become more empathetic and strive to provide the best care to my patients. Dr. Samawi dedicates her time and energy into every student at Saint Xavier University whether or not they are her student. I also had the pleasure to volunteer with Dr. Samawi at a children’s youth group at Maranatha Chapel where she dedicates her free time teaching the youth of the church the word of God as well as completing health promotion fairs for these children with her students. Anyone who has met Dr. Samawi knows that her life is revolved around her students educating us how to become strong compassionate nurses. Dr. Samawi is the type of professor who leaves a mark on every student who crosses her path and she has truly touched mine. I hope to one day become the brilliant, compassionate nurse that Dr. Samawi is.

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Dr. Samawi is one of the most special professors I have ever met. She is so passionate and caring about her job. Dr. Samawi connects with students on a personal level and goes above and beyond to ensure their success. Throughout my time in nursing school, she taught me the true meaning behind empathy and advocacy for others. I am grateful to have had such a strong professional role model in my schooling.