I am writing to express my immense gratitude for the financial support that you have provided to me through the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing Alumnae Bursary. I was thrilled when I learned I had been chosen for this bursary for the fourth year in a row. I am truly and utterly grateful.
I am currently in my fourth and final year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Vancouver Island University and am about to start my final preceptorship. I will be practicing at the Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre in the Cowichan Valley in order to pursue my strong passion for Public Health Nursing and empowering people in my hometown to live healthy lives.
I am proud to be following my grandma’s footsteps and starting my nursing journey exactly 60 years after she did. My grandma (Anita McDonald) has influenced me throughout my entire life and has taught me to persevere when facing adversity. I am beyond proud to be taking after her and to be continuing her legacy. As I prepare for my graduation and pinning ceremony, I reflect on how meaningful it is for me to follow my grandma and become an RN. I was given her St. Joseph’s Nursing School graduation pin and she intends to place it on me during my own pinning ceremony. I cannot begin to express how much of an honour it is to be continuing her legacy and carrying on the St. Joseph’s name.
The pandemic has made nursing school an even more difficult process than it already is and has caused a lot of financial stress. The funds from this bursary have helped me immensely by providing some peace of mind, allowing me to focus on my studies. This has brought me one step closer to graduating and becoming an RN. Thank you again for your incredible generosity and support.
Sincerely,
Savanna McDonald