As the Class of 2023 celebrated the completion of their time at Aiken Technical College and looked forward to venturing into the next stage of life, deans and instructors reminded students to never forget their hardwork and dedication to caring for others.
On Monday, July 31, over 20 summer graduates were presented with their diploma for Applied Science in Nursing, and certifications to be Patient Care Technicians.
With many students being parents, military veterans or even working one or two jobs whilst attending classes, instructors spoke on their students’ perseverance and diligence in pursuing a career in healthcare.
“[They] have worked tirelessly to reach this pivotal moment in achieving their goals of becoming nurses and patient care technicians,” said School of Nursing Dean Dr. Hannah Williams. “Today marks a significant milestone in their journey to becoming skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals … you have conquered multiple obstacles, and you’ve demonstrated resilience. Your hard work and determination have brought you to this moment.”
Williams also spoke on each graduate’s selflessness to choose a noble career path that aims to make a positive impact in others’ lives.
“As you receive your pins today, remember that they are more than just badges of accomplishment; they are symbols of responsibilities. Each pin represents the trust patients and their families will place in you during their moments where they are uncertain and very vulnerable,” said Williams. “Embrace this responsibility with humility and pride for it is a pride to be entrusted with the well-being of others. Please note that you have the potential to touch countless lives and make a lasting difference in this world.”
After nurse instructors announced class honors, fellow graduates cheered and families applauded for the Salutatorian Sade Meeks and the Valedictorian Megan Gay.
“To my fellow practical nursing classmates, this journey has not been easy, but we made it. During this program I learned something from each and every one of you; I will never forget the times we spent together,” said Gay. “I’m an eight year army veteran, who was called from serving her country back home to provide service to our country’s healthcare needs. I stand before you today as a testimony to other veterans that there is success outside of the military as long as you have a dream, set goals and go after them.”
Gay then spoke on how many of her loved ones fell ill during her last semester of school, and that she later understood the trials to be a lesson for the long run.
“Every day of class became a constant battle, but I persevered. I asked God, ‘why are you doing this to me? Why during the last two months of nursing school?’ But he has shown me resilience, courage, confidence, wisdom and knowledge – all of which are important attributes to have in order to become a successful nurse.”
Gay, who is also a parent and hopes to inspire her children to accomplish their goals, said she learned many important lessons and skills from various people, especially the other graduates, but most of all she learned the significance of asking questions, being open to others and what they have to teach you and balancing one’s confidence while staying humble throughout the journey.
After graduates walked across the stage and received their ceremonial pins with family members taking photos and videos in the stands, nurse instructors announced the recipients of the Tradition of Caring award, which was presented to Sade Meeks and De’aralon Foust following a student vote to determine who amongst them was the most caring individual.
To end the ceremony, students lit candles and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, also known as the Nursing Pledge, to vow a promise of responsibility and devotion to the welfare of those entrusted in their care.
“Not everyone is cut out for a career in healthcare, and I’m sure there were times during your program where you questioned whether you were cut out for it,” said Academic and Student Affairs Vice President Chad Crumbaker. “Always remember though, you didn’t get here by luck; you got here through hard work, determination and just plain toughness. You were here because you belonged here, and you are cut out for it … I wish you all great success in the future and remember that the possibilities for your career and education are only limited by what you want to do.”
