Spring13AtLourdes

Every day, I enjoy helping people and assisting
them in their recovery; that process has always
intrigued me.”
Having obtained her LPN from the Toledo School
of Practical Nursing, Norma then went on to
receive her associate’s degree as an RN from Owens
Community College. Today, she splits her time
working as a traveling Registered Nurse (RN) with
Supplemental Health Care, and attending Lourdes
classes in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
program. She remains steadfast in achieving her
ideal career – holistic or psychiatric nursing.
Following her artist’s
dreams
As a young child, Norma often expressed herself
through drawing. It wasn’t until she attended high
school that she began to perfect her preferred
medium – painting. Utilizing both acrylics and oil,
the artist often creates pieces that feature mixed
media. Inspired by the bold work
of Diego Rivera and Salvador
Dali, she finds satisfaction in
artwork that is outside
the norm. “My work is
often determined by
my emotions. If
I am going
through
Check out this mural on Broadway in Toledo’s Old South End.
something personal at the time, then the colors I
use to express myself tend to be colder - blues and
greens. However, if I am happy and content, then
my color choices are warm with the use of reds and
yellows.”
“My parents (George and Rachel) and my
daughter Selena have inspired me to be the artist
I am today,” adds Norma. “Neither of my parents
graduated college; however, they instilled in me the
importance of obtaining my degree. While Mom
was aware that an individual couldn’t necessarily
survive well on an artist’s salary, she always
encouraged me to express myself through art. This
is the same message I have imparted to Selena.
Whatever career path you choose, you must be
able to understand and appreciate the importance
of caring for people and understanding what
motivates and inspires them.” U
Norma with classmates (front row from left): Robbie Dickerson,
Wendy Goodrich, Bonita Thornton, and Nikki Screptock. Back from
from left: Danielle Lange, Geneva Chastanet, Kayode Olatunji,
Camille Combs, Instructor Linette Will, Terri Shivers, Norma, and M.
Angela Patuto.