STEPHANIE:

On Saturday May 24, 2008, this intelligent and beautiful young lady, 24, received her ”Pin” and her Diploma which certifies that she, Stephanie, is now among the many who have gone before her in one of the most prestigious of professions.  A Registered Nurse.  Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale would be very happy.

Just what is so special about Stephanie?  She never wanted to be a nurse while growing up.  She watched her mother working very hard as a nurse for 40 years who still continues in her profession.  Her grandmother, whom she is close to, was also a hard-working nurse until retirement.  Her great grandmother was a nurse whom Stephanie learned about from her Mother and Grandparents.  And… her maternal Grandfather is a retired Physician, now in his nineties.

Stephanie’s medical interests were sparked in high school while learning emergency care and working with injured athletes in physical therapy.  Having heard the downsides of nursing while growing up,  Steph saw her Mom very tired after her 12 hour hospital shifts and then she had to go on Missions of Mercy with her insistent mother (who gave up vacation time) to help in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

I met Stephanie after she completed her college pre-reqs and was wait-listed for the Nursing program for two years.  I was horrified to learn of the Nursing Staff Instructor shortage througout the country.   The country is already aware of the severe nursing shortage.  Not from Santa Barbara, Steph came here from northern CA to attend school.  While wait-listed, I took her under my wing determined to somehow get her working in her chosen field as a medical assistant somewhere in SB.  Success.   So, to have 5 years fly by, it is with great pride to see Stephanie graduate with honors and to continue her medical profession but now as a Registered Nurse.  She will have her choice of positions here in SB and will be able to go anywhere in the country (or elsewhere) to practice nursing while continuing her education for a higher degree.

In her personal life, Stephanie recently became engaged to be married to her long time best friend and love, Dan.  Graduating as an Electrical Engineer at UCSB in 2007, he has completed his first year working in a very good company in his chosen profession which he really loves.  Both Stephanie and Dan have worked very hard getting through schools while working at the same time to support themselves.   They are the rare couple today who now have the world by a string and the future for them is extremely bright.  I am proud to know both of them.  They are role models for all young people who come from small communities who can and will work hard to achieve their goals.  They have no fear, wonderful family values, very traditional and extremly nice people.  They really have their heads on straight.  Good for them and all those you know who are like them.