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From a former
photographer to a mother who went through two pregnancies during
her years of study, from the student who started out with plans
to be a teacher to a bartender turned caregiver, Mercer County Community
College celebrated the graduation of 34 students from its Nursing
program on Jan. 14. Kelsey Theatre was the scene for the festive
event, which drew a large and supportive audience of faculty, family
and friends.
This diverse,
yet motivated group came together like a family during its challenging
academic journey, according to Class Valedictorian Dawn Bates, of
Trenton. "We are all so different, but we have one thing in
common - our love for nursing, for making the future better and
for helping people in their time of need. We all have the power
to make a new tomorrow. At times it seemed impossible, but we all
accomplished it. Each semester we were able to push ourselves a
little more." Bates noted that she had come to know every one
of her peers as they all worked together to realize their shared
goal. "Everyone helped each other. We really learned as a team.
This teamwork will carry over into our nursing careers," she
said.
Dr. Donald Generals,
MCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs, congratulated the graduates
on two points. "One, you have selected a noble profession and,
two, you have succeeded in it. You deserve our recognition for your
impressive accomplishments."
Added Dean of
Science and Health Professions Linda Martin, "Our graduates
have worked diligently to achieve successful outcomes in this program.
You are well prepared to function as nurses: to assess your clients'
health status, to analyze data, to evaluate patient outcomes, and
to serve as advocates for patients' rights. We are very proud of
you."
In addition
to Bates, a second graduate, Sharia Porter, shared her extraordinary
story with the audience. A young mother who successfully completed
her first semester of nursing studies in 2006, Porter was then derailed
by a serious car accident. After being in a coma for two weeks and
against medical predictions, Porter fully recovered and went on
to complete the Mercer program. "You can overcome any obstacles
with determination, faith and drive. Believe in yourself. Never
give up on your hopes and dreams. People fall short too often due
to lack of hope. Anything worth having is worth working for,"
Porter said.
The ceremony
ended with a standing ovation and cheers of joy. The students will
follow their graduation by taking the national exam to certify them
as registered nurses.
Beginning in
January 2009, Felician College, of Lodi, NJ, is offering a fast-track
program that enables registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degrees on the MCCC campus. For more information
about the new program, read more here.
MCCC offers
numerous degree programs in the Health Professions. In addition
to Nursing, programs include: Health Science, Medical Laboratory
Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography and Pre-Med
Biology. For descriptions, see degree programs here.
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Sharon Jones-Whyte receives her
nursing pin from Dean Martin.
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