My name is Diannah Green, and I’m from Houston, Texas. My interest in becoming a nurse comes from a very personal experience during my childhood. My grandfather suffered a heart attack at home, and when he collapsed, the impact caused severe brain damage that left him in a vegetative state for months before his passing. During this time, my family saw firsthand how differently he was treated by various healthcare staff simply because of his condition and older age. There were days when he didn’t receive even the most basic care, and my grandmother would have to step in herself to make sure he was clean and cared for. But there were also nurses who were truly compassionate and ensured he received the appropriate care he deserved, and those are the nurses my grandmother still remembers to this day. Seeing all of this showed me how much of a difference nurses can make, both good and bad. This experience shaped my perspective and inspired me to become a nurse who makes a real difference in people’s lives, and to treat every person with compassion and respect, no matter the circumstance, as if they were my own friends and family.
My decision in choosing Prairie View A&M University was more than just selecting a university; it meant choosing a place where I felt supported, inspired, and aligned with my goals. I wanted to attend an HBCU that offered a strong sense of community and a learning environment that fostered growth and opportunity. From the beginning, I heard about PVAMU’s commitment to student success and the many resources available to help students thrive. What ultimately influenced my decision was the reputation of the nursing program and how well it prepares confident and competent nurses. Taking the step to continue my education at PVAMU was one of the best decisions I’ve made and has greatly shaped my personal and professional journey.
The journey through nursing school wasn’t easy. Early on in my first semester, I quickly realized how much commitment and discipline it truly required. I struggled at first to find what study methods worked best for me. There were long nights, early mornings, and moments where I felt completely overwhelmed, but each challenge taught me the importance of discipline, dedication, and persistence in achieving my goals. I kept reminding myself why I chose this path and the kind of nurse I want to become. The most important lesson I learned throughout this program is to always pray, have greater faith, and trust God in His plan for me, while also having more confidence in myself and my capabilities. I now know that I am more than capable of achieving my goals when I believe in myself and dedicate myself fully to the journey.
As I am about to graduate, I am excited to say that I have accepted a position in the Neuro Medical-Surgical Unit at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. I chose this area because I believe it will allow me to build a strong foundation of clinical skills and critical thinking while caring for patients with complex conditions. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to put into practice everything I have learned at the PVAMU College of Nursing as I begin my nursing career. This experience will also prepare and equip me for my ultimate goal of working in the ICU, giving me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on the floor and develop confidence as a nurse.
To current nursing students or anyone considering a career in nursing, my advice would be to trust yourself, trust your journey, and keep discovering what works best for you. Nursing school will challenge you in ways you never expected, and there will be moments when it feels overwhelming. Lean on your faith, always pray, and remember your “why,” the reason you started this path. Be patient with yourself as you learn, discover study methods that fit your style, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance when needed. With dedication, persistence, and belief in yourself, you can achieve far more than you ever imagined.
Overall, looking back on this journey, I feel truly blessed for the experiences, guidance, and support that have brought me to this point. I am grateful to my family and friends for their encouragement and belief in me, and most of all, I am thankful to God for guiding my path and giving me the strength to persevere. As I step into my nursing career, I am eager to apply all that I have learned at the PVAMU College of Nursing and continue growing into the compassionate, dedicated nurse I aspire to be.
Diannah Green will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing this fall from Prairie View A&M University. Click here to view more of this semester’s notable graduates.
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