As I think about graduation, I intermittently have feelings of excitement and then anxiety and back again. It’s been a cycle of emotions for me for the past couple of months as we approach May. I am both ecstatic to be done with all the stresses that come with school, but nervous when it comes to the unknown. I keep asking myself, “Will I be a good nurse?” and “What do I do without having assignments and things to study after class?” Overall, it will be an opportunity to learn who I am as a new nurse and as a young adult stepping into the real world for the first time.
I am most excited about being able to use the skills and knowledge I’ve learned to help better a patient and their loved ones’ lives. I am looking forward to feeling fulfilled that all my hard work was all worth it. I want to be able to travel as much as I can and experience life to the fullest. I am excited to see my nursing friends also grow and further their career and trading stories with them. I feel very lucky that I have found close friends through this program that give me support, encouragement and love. We will definitely be celebrating each other’s accomplishments together for a very long time.
My preparation for this semester definitely involves lots and lots of planning. I believe it is crucial to keep track of all the assignment dates, exams, clinicals and any other activities. Setting time for myself is also important in my success. I have learned throughout the years that I cannot keep forcing myself to work when I am exhausted or frustrated, it just doesn’t work. Taking breaks has been helpful for me and splitting up the work by doing little by little every day is important. I definitely am trying to prioritize sleep and healthy nightly habits that help me relax to be ready to take the next day. The saying “health is wealth”, is a top priority in my mind to be successful, whether that health is physical, emotional or mental.
