Wanda G. Lear Memorial Scholarship

Good evening my name is Crystal Jackson and I'm currently in first semester at Daytona State College. I'm very upset learning about Professor Lear's passing. She was my Anatomy and Physiology instructor at DSC back in 2009. She is the nurse that I dream to become. I have worked in healthcare since 2008 and I have seen the change across the board in healthcare. I have seen the acuity become much higher with patient's. I have seen some of the best nurses and unfortunately some of the worst that are not in it for the right reasons. I love healthcare so much and my dream has always been to become a nurse. It's a passion for me because I love caring for people in every aspect. Unfortunately I have a specials needs child that became very ill and I had to put my dreams on hold. However, one thing Professor Lear taught me is to never give up and never doubt myself and I can do anything I put my mind too. I love everything nursing stands for. I don't want to be a task nurse. I want to be that nurse who doesn't get comfortable or judgmental with patient's. I want to be that nurse that makes a difference. I feel like over the years some disciplines have lost there empathy and compassion. I want to bring that back to every patient I come across. I want to be the shoulder my patient's and family can cry on if they need it. I want my patient's too know they are not alone. I just want to be the best nurse possible and I know this is a hard profession but I know how it feels to be a patient with the weight of the world on your shoulders and nobody to turn to. I will be the shoulder my patient can turn too. Nursing is more then just tasks and charting. Nursing is caring, being there one hundred percent for your patient and there family if need be. I just want to pay forward what was once done to me when I was a patient and just was lost and wonderful nurses carried me through some of my worse days. I'm so grateful for your time but I truly am sad about the circumstances. Professor Lear was truly one of a kind and she embodied the true meaning of a great nurse.

Nursing holds a special place in my heart; it's not just a career choice, but a profound calling that ignites a fire within me to serve others with compassion and empathy. In essence, nursing means being a beacon of care and comfort for those who are vulnerable, sick, or in pain. At its core, nursing is about human connection. It's about forming bonds with patients and their families, understanding their fears, hopes, and dreams, and providing support during their most challenging moments. Nursing means being there to celebrate victories and provide solace during setbacks, offering a listening ear and a gentle touch to ease suffering and promote healing. For me, nursing is also synonymous with advocacy. It's about standing up for patients' rights, ensuring they receive equitable treatment and access to quality healthcare. It means being a voice for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves, advocating for better policies and resources to improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. Moreover, nursing embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and growth. It's about staying current with advancements in medical knowledge and technology, continuously expanding one's skillset, and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and determination. Nursing means seeking out opportunities for professional development and mentorship, striving to deliver the highest standard of care to every patient, every time. One of the most profound aspects of nursing is its capacity to make a difference, no matter how small. Whether it's administering medication, dressing a wound, or simply offering a reassuring presence, nursing encompasses countless acts of kindness and compassion that have the power to transform lives. Nursing means going above and beyond to ensure that each patient feels valued, respected, and cared for with dignity and integrity. As I pursue my journey into nursing, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With this scholarship, I hope to further my education and training, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this noble profession. I am committed to upholding the values of nursing—compassion, empathy, advocacy, and lifelong learning—and to serving as a beacon of hope and healing for those in need. In conclusion, nursing is not just a job; it's a vocation—a calling to serve others with kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication. It's about making a difference in the lives of patients and their families, advocating for their rights and well-being, and striving for excellence in all aspects of care. With this scholarship, I am honored to continue my journey into nursing, inspired by the countless opportunities to make a positive impact and grateful for the privilege to serve others in their time of need.