About 10 YEARS AGO I had a DREAM of becoming a nurse
and on
June 23rd I GRADUATED with a degree in NURSING!!
Getting this degree has not been easy. There were a couple times I wanted to go to Cosmetology School because I was done with Chemistry and studying (because it was my second choice). I debated if Broadview University was the right choice for me to receive my nursing degree. It was on my way home from leaving Dr. Bott office after discover I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) when I got a call from Broadview accepting me into their school. I remember the joy and peace I felt. I held onto that feeling when I was confronting and working with the nursing department on improving their educational program. I learned motivation, self-responsibility, and commitment to my love of nursing through this program.
I am glad I experienced walking across that stage and getting pinned. I felt a sense of pride in my accomplishment and freedom. It was an end of a chapter and the start of a new.
Having my family there meant a lot to me. I can't explain the support they were to me because my fingers will start to hurt. The countless phone calls they got from me seeking advise, needing to vent, or sharing amazing stories that come with being a nurse...they were always there. Thanks Mom and Dad!!
Jarom came thinking he would get free passes to the bowling alley but was given the opportunity to listen to two amazing bag pipe players instead.
Grandma Phipps made the long journey to be here with me too.
I DID IT!!But not without the help of these amazing teachers...
Shelly Nielsen:She was more than a teacher. She was a listener, problem solver, and a friend. She made a promise to stay with us to the end and she did. I am graduating from an accredited school not only because of my sweat and tears but hers as well.
Tana Marchbanks: I had several clinical hours with this woman. She always made sure I in a comfortable environment in which I could learn and grow. She went above and beyond with helping me understand concepts. Her bright and loving personality made her also one of the few teachers you trusted and wanted to confide in.
Matt Woolley:Oh, Professor Woolley!! He had one of the hardest classes I have taken in all of my college years. He pushed me to my limit while supporting me the entire time. Through the rest of the quarters, he was a friendly face I could always rely on to help me or give me advice.
Cohort 12:My friends through the good and bad
Rachel Abernethy:I remember when she first asked me to carpool. I was so nervous to drive 40 minutes with someone I didn't know. Rachel is one of the most determined, self-motivated, and independent woman I have ever met. We were both very different when it came to studying and the way we learned but it only helped us meet our goal of graduating (and she did it 9 months pregnant). She became a major support system to me. She was the first I would go to when I had a question or needed help. I don't think I could of survived nursing school the way I did if it wasn't for this friendship.
Whitney Holmes:Whitney was constantly smiling and laughing!! This woman has so much strength to graduate nursing school after loosing her father in the middle. And even through this, she smiled. I really look up to her and her ability to light up a room. She was the first one out of our cohort to get a job after graduating, right after graduating. She is working in Oncology and I know her patients will love her as much as I do!
Katie Stokes:Katie cracks me up. She always had the gossip or stories to talk about which at times was much needed for a distraction. Katie isn't a member of the LDS church and she really opened my eyes to the way the members of the church can be perceived and how judgemental we can be. I learned how important it is to respect others beliefs as much as I want them to respect mine. Katie, with the help of Whitney and Rachel, brought me out of my "bubble" and educated me on so many things I had no clue on. Thanks!
Diana Miller:I became closer friends to Diana towards the last two quarters before graduation. She really helped me see the importance of who I am and what I have to offer. She is a very positive person who sees the good in so many people. I appreciate her openness because at times it is needed and at other times, it is a great laugh.
We both forgot to bring our string for our cap...Oops! 
Emily Oliver (aka Momma Bear):Emily is just a great example. I loved listening to her advice for other people because she would say what we were all wanting to say. There was always about getting the job done fast and getting it done right. She was the only one out of our Cohort to graduate with high honors (4.0 G.P.A every quarter.). One of my favorite things about Emily is her ability to socialize. We would be talking about the experiences we during clinical and she could tell you everything about the nurse she was following. She has this trusting personality you want to talk to and get to know better. 
Michael Bown:
Michael Bown:I love Mike!! He worked grave nights to support his family while maintaining clinical and school hours. He did what he needed to get through school and never slept. He beamed every time he would talk about his wife and children. He is such a nice guy and would do anything for his family.
Merry Ashton:I never got to know Merry very well because she had a job and two kids to support. But I learned she would do anything for her boys and will make a great nurse.
Erik Gilbert and Katrina Campbell didn't go to graduation. They were two people I am glad I had the chance to meet. They were two I never really got to know because they kind of stayed to themselves. But they are really smart and will probably be the first two I would say to continue their education beyond nursing.
What better way to celebrate graduating than going to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate??? Nothing. I love this restaurant. They have the best ribs and rolls I have ever had. I am going to miss not having them 10 minutes away from my home but it is probably for the best.
My amazing parents got me an iPad for graduation!! I was totally surprised as you can tell from the picture. I have been studying for my boards a lot and I am so grateful to have this awesome piece of technology and I think the nibblings don't mind either. As I look at these pictures I am so excited to be graduated but I don't think the true relief will hit me until I pass my boards and have a job. But I know with the next chapter in life comes new challenges and obstacles. I am so grateful to have such an amazing family. It isn't just because of me that I graduated but also because of my parents AND siblings. Their support meant the world to me. I remember when I was living with Bryan and Ashley one summer and I went into their room to talk to them. I was feeling lost on what steps to take next. Nursing school or no nursing school? They talked to me and shared their reasons why I should go to nursing school unselfishly to me. Tami's advice of enjoying life now because I am still young...even though I might not always agree. Jarom's constant support of just being in Utah with me was just what I needed sometimes. And as I said before, my parents held my hand (or their phones) the entire time. I love my family so much and no words can express how important they are to me.
P.S. This is a picture of Rachel and I at her baby shower for little baby girl Paisley. She is going to be an amazing mother and Garrett is going to be an amazing dad. This is also my last goodbye to Rachel before moving to California.
P.S. This is a picture of Rachel and I at her baby shower for little baby girl Paisley. She is going to be an amazing mother and Garrett is going to be an amazing dad. This is also my last goodbye to Rachel before moving to California.
