My graduation speech

      I kind of kept this a surprise, but I was chosen to speak at graduation.  Here is a copy of my talk. 

Congratulations to all of my classmates!  We made it!       

During all of those LONG drives to campus, I heard these song lyrics by AWOL nation……..”Never let your fear decide your fate.”  I let that line become my mantra.  There were so many things that scared us in nursing school…..tests, clinicals, writing papers.  But, we made it through.  I want those lyrics to be the theme of our nursing careers.  Never be afraid to learn and never be afraid to teach……..don’t let fear determine your choices.

Nurses need to be constant learners.  Be humble and realize that you can always learn more.  Not even Dr. Chew has ALL the answers.  Gain knowledge from every situation.  Parents know that we learn from our children and good nurses know that we learn from our patients.  Those difficult days may teach you strength or organization skills.  See the lessons in everything.  Realize that not everyone will have their “teacher” hat on;  learn from everyone you encounter.  Let your peers guide you, let your superiors mold you.  Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know or ask for help.  Be brave enough to admit your faults and work to improve them. 

Teaching will be our most important role as nurses.  Be confident and use what you have learned to teach others.  Be a role model and nurture the relationships in your life—with your family, coworkers and patients.  Seek new and better ways to do things and share them.  Let your compassion guide you and always see the bigger picture.   Mrs. Miller taught us to verify understanding; use this tool to make sure your patients have the correct information and that they really understand.  Take advantage of those “teachable moments” every time.

As nursing students, we KNOW how to overcome fear.  We need to keep this bravery as we transform into working nurses.  As we move on and part ways, I want you all to remember those lyrics.  When you hear that song and those words let them remind you that fear—of any kind,  should never dictate your future.  Have the guts, always to go after what you want in life. 

Never let your fear decide your fate.