That was the resounding question and answer heard throughout Shriver Hall when Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Accelerated Class of 2012 student speaker Christa Oakes addressed the crowd of 116 undergraduate students accompanied by family and friends.
The students, who were all receiving their Bachelor of Science degrees, replied immediately with thrilled hoots and hollers to celebrate their achievements.
Oakes stressed the feeling of accomplishment and relief to come from completing a challenge such as the accelerated nursing program.
“It is through doing difficult things we discover how much we are capable of doing. We are all a little bit more fearless and a little bit more courageous related to becoming fantastic nurses as evidenced by completing this very difficult program successfully,” she said.
Oakes, the Accelerated Class of 2012 SGA Vice President, was preceded by commencement speaker Dr. Ellen-Marie Whelan, NP, PhD, FAAN, Senior Advisor, Innovation Center, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Dr. Whelan issued similar sentiments in her speech and helped the class look forward.
“And although again I will congratulate you for summiting that mountain, with this new degree you’ve not finished your journey, you’re just beginning. In the future of nursing, and healthcare writ large, this country is depending on you,” she said.
On Friday, August 3rd, 2012 the August Graduate Recognition Ceremony will take place with a class of sixteen: 10 Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science Public Health Nursing, 2 PhD, 2 Women’s Health/Midwifery, and 2 Post-MSN certificate (Nurse Educator Certificate Option and Acute Critical Nurse Practitioner).
Relive current and past graduations: