Never Lose Your Desire For Learning and Improving Yourself
By Becky
What are you most proud of in your life?
I have been a nurse for 32 years, as I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1988. Three years ago, at the age of 51, my employer presented me with the opportunity to earn my master's in nursing with a concentration in nursing administration. Although I questioned my sanity during this time, it became one of the proudest moments of my life. I faced many obstacles along the way, simply because I had been out of school for 29 years, but I pushed through them with the love and support of my friends and family. My motivation was improving myself as a nurse manager and being a role model for my college-age daughters. The moral of my story is that you are never too old to learn and develop yourself. If you don't have the opportunity to attend college right away, don't be discouraged - life always presents you with opportunities if you keep an open mind.
What are you passionate about?
From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. The act of helping someone in need is what I’m passionate about, as I like to provide people with comfort in stressful situations. I have spent the majority of my career as an outpatient surgery nurse. Most patients are nervous when facing a surgical procedure, and to provide even the simplest comforts like a smiling face, a listening ear and an encouraging word can make a stressful situation that much better. These acts of kindness may seem simple, but can be used in your everyday life to encourage and lift someone's spirits in the most stressful of times.
What makes you confident?
I feel confident even when completing the smallest tasks at work, as they can make a significant impact on a process, or a co-worker's ability to complete their job more efficiently. Also, being able to encourage the professional development of my staff and to see the growth and confidence they experience through their development provides me with the confidence to inspire other staff members and peers.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Never give anyone or anything the power to shame you. You’re braver than you feel, stronger than you think, and loved more than you’ve yet to see.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to worry about what others think. Work on building yourself up, follow your dreams and aspirations, and the rest will fall into place. Focus on the present, live in the here and now, instead of wishing you were old enough to do this or had enough money to do that.
