Ashton does not seek recognition and quietly cares for patients, often going unnoticed. He is always extremely respectful and polite when asking questions or discussing anything with instructors and classmates. Throughout this semester, I have seen this student step up during clinical to ensure all patients are treated with dignity and respect while genuinely showing how much they care.

One day at our community meal site, it was nearly time to go, but several patients wanted their blood pressure taken, and they always enjoyed talking with the students. While the rest of the clinical group gathered their belongings and headed out, Ashton never stopped what he was doing. Ashton continued to talk with the patients, discussing BP's, screenings, medications, and whatever else the patient wanted to talk about. Once he finished with that patient, another student raised their hand, wanting their BP checked and to chat. This continued for several more patients. Ashton never showed any signs of needing to go or being bothered. He embraced it with kindness and compassion.

Another occasion that truly made an impact was during a poverty simulation, where we had an advocate who had utilized Crisis Assistance Ministries during a very traumatic time in her life. As she shared her story and discussed going from a "normal" life to battling poverty, living in a car, and severe PTSD, Ashton bravely asked if we could pray over this patient. After asking her permission, Ashton led the entire clinical group in a very sincere and impactful prayer. The prayer was genuine with specific requests for the Crisis Assistant Advocate and for the student nurses…for them to have a heart for serving others. This was certainly not planned, but truly from the heart. This was by far the epitome of nursing. Not being afraid to stand up for what you believe, particularly while advocating for a patient whom you do not know, is truly admirable and speaks volumes about this student's character.

So many go into nursing "just because," but when you find students who are called to be nurses, it is an experience you will always remember. I can only imagine the impact Ashton is going to have on the lives of so many patients and families, as he has truly been called to be a nurse and will fulfill the mission we should all strive to embody as nurses. Thank you, Ashton, for not being afraid to be yourself and for making a difference that will always be remembered. Days will pass, but your influence has made a mark that will never be erased.