Paying it Forward” - School of Nursing - West Virginia University

"I was so honored to be selected by her family for the
scholarship," said Boso, who also received the 2010
Outstanding Senior BSN graduate award. "Judith Kandzari
was so passionate about family and community health. It
made me want to learn as much as I can about rural health
nursing."
Boso is currently completing her rural health rotation
at Amedisys, a national provider of home healthcare and
hospice services. The scholarship provided Boso with
funding to travel to rural parts of Marion, Preston and
Monongalia counties, as well as money to purchase
posters and other informational materials for her senior
capstone project.
According to Boso, her work at Amedisys helped her
discover that rural health nursing is more than just caring
for a patient's physical well-being.
"When you are a rural health nurse, you have to go
above and beyond what you're required to do," said Boso.
"It teaches you to look at each patient as a whole, not just
the physical symptoms. You have to consider the social
and environmental facets as well."
After graduation, Boso would like to work in critical
care nursing but is determined to continue learning more
about rural healthcare.
"I believe in educating yourself as much as you can
for as long as you can. I plan to be a life-long learner," said
Boso.
Photo: Sarah Boso is pictured during her rural health rotation
at Amedisys Home Health Services. The Judith C. Kandzari
scholarship recipient plans to learn as much as she can about
community health nursing.
2010 2010 Commencement Commencement Commencement Address
Address
Sarah Sarah A. A. Boso
Boso
Outstanding Outstanding BSN BSN Student
Student
Good evening. I am both honored and flattered to have been asked to
speak at our graduation. I congratulate all of you for making it through
this rigorous and challenging nursing program.
As I approached this momentous day, I wondered about what I
could say that would leave a lasting impression. I thought about the
things that have made a difference for me as I took each course,
stressed over each exam, and cared for each of my patients. For me, I
found that my attitude was what really made the difference, for I know
that I can only do as much or go as far as I believe I can. As I look back
and analyze my most memorable moments in nursing school, it was
my mindset that made for a positive or negative experience.
I believe that our career in nursing will be whatever each one of us
makes it. Personally, I have found that "learning" will be life long and
that this world, the people in it, and my experiences, will continue to
be my classroom. I have learned that my values, judgments, motives,
ethics and beliefs make me who I am, and make the nurse I will
become.
But more important than all these attributes is developing the
capacity and commitment to care about another - to extend yourself
beyond your needs to help someone else become better. This is our
job as nurses, and in doing this, I know each one of you will succeed in
countless ways. However I also know that we will all make mistakes,
but it is our attitudes that decide what we gain, or lose from those
errors.
You reflect who you are and what you are, by your thoughts,
behaviors and attitudes. I am still learning that my attitude determines
whether I will be mediocre or excellent, anxious or calm, intolerant or
accepting. It is the mindset that I have each day that decides what I can
accomplish and give back to my patients and their families.
Since the choice is mine, I choose an attitude of determination,
one that looks into each situation and finds the good, even when it's
difficult to see. And I choose to be a nurse that enriches her patients'
lives whether it is emotionally, spiritually, mentally or physically.
To my classmates of 2010, I invite you to join me in my pursuit. It
will be a challenge each and every day to display compassion and
kindness in every situation and to be that shining light that will dispel
darkness in a world of hurt, for one patient at a time.
The choice is ours. Each one of us can make a difference if we take
charge of our attitudes. Today, I dare you to commit to making that
difference!
Thank you.
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