Meri Armenta exemplifies what it truly means to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. I was a patient in the WSU for four weeks due to pregnancy complications that worsened over time. It was an incredibly overwhelming, emotional, and isolating experiencefull of uncertainty and fear. Through it all, Meri became a steady, reassuring presence who helped me navigate some of the most difficult and vulnerable days of my life. She has a deeply comforting, almost motherly way about herunderstanding, attentive, and so genuinely kind. She always seemed to know exactly what I needed, whether it was a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. She spoke with warmth and calm, easing my fears when the unknowns became overwhelming. One moment that stands out is after my delivery. Meri stopped by to visit, and I was an emotional wreck - desperate to visit my daughter in the NICU and overcome by the weight of what I'd just been through. I was so upset that Meri (who works days) intentionally took a night shift so she could come back before and after work to check in on me and make sure I was doing alright. Who does that? A nurse who genuinely cares. Meri always made sure my emotional well-being was cared for just as much as my physical health. Her empathy and consistency gave me a sense of safety in a time when nothing felt certain. Meri made a lasting impact on me, and I will never forget the role she played during that chapter of my life. She truly deserves to be recognized for the extraordinary nurse and extraordinary human being that she is.