Glenda’s NACC Blog

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Glenda Simpson and I have been asked to blog for NACC to represent the older student. I thought that I would clarify being one of the older students in case you couldn’t tell by looking at me. Just kidding! I’m sure you could squint your eyes in the dark and still be able to recognize that I’m not a typical student. In fact, you could be legally blind and still be able to tell.

All jokes aside, I’m very proud of my age, and not ashamed of any of the wrinkles or gray hairs. They’re like my stripes; I’ve earned each and every one of them.

I’m excited about being asked to blog because I view it as a wonderful opportunity to encourage all the younger students who are just now starting to earn their stripes. Their still trying to figure out who they are and what it is they want to do with the rest of their lives. I also get to encourage the “not so young students” who along with myself, never thought we would be starting over again at this phase in our lives. 

If there is one thing that I have learned it would be that life is a constant change and we must be willing to change with it. I’m excited about being at Northeast and having the opportunity for change. I have wanted to be a Nurse practically all my life. I remember two different occasions coming to Northeast to inquire about the nursing program and wanting so badly to be a part of it.

Every time that I would get close, it seemed that something would happen. I was married and a mother of two and always felt that their needs came first.  Now, here it is at last –my turn. I knew that I would make it one day, but I never dreamed that I would be in my forties. O.K. I said it! I’m in my forties and never again am I’m going to admit that.

I finally made it and I’m scared to death. But guess what? I have found that we’re all scared. Young, old, it doesn’t matter; we’re all ready to run for the hills, but run we won’t. We have worked too hard to get here and waited too long. We know that we have a wonderful team of Nursing Instructors who are willing to lead us, if we are willing to follow.  In fact, the nursing program at Northeast is considered to be one the best. If you have not visited our new building you must see it. It is so beautiful! While I’m on this subject, if you’re already a nursing student please make every effort to take care of this building so that many others in the future can enjoy it as we’re getting to.

On another note, speaking of support, I want to thank Ms. Denise Patterson for making Anatomy I, II and Microbiology a living nightmare. Seriously, I use to kid her about being the demon from, well you know where. She taught me so much. She did her job and she did it well! Thank you Ms. Patterson  for sharing your wonderful wealth of knowledge and helping me to make it into the nursing program.

I also want to congratulate all the second year nurses and thank them for the wonderful job of hosting our Nursing orientation. They helped all of us to have a smoother transition as we where getting started, so from all of the first year students to all of you, we wish you the very best. Hang in there, you’re sooooo close.

In closing, I want to remind you of something Ms. Bruce shared with us on the first day of class. “You are what you say you are, and you’ll do what you keep telling yourself you’ll do. I hope that when all the world is silent and you’re left alone with your thoughts that all you can hear is, “I know I can, I know I can, I know I can!”

Best of luck to you!

Glenda

I know I can!