In my family, education is foundational. Howard University, University of the District of Columbia, South Carolina State University, Alabama A&M University, North Carolina Central University, and now Prairie View A&M University: HBCUs have always been at the forefront of how we pursue further education.
From a young age, my parents have always instilled in me the importance of education in your life’s foundation. Growing up in Waldorf, Maryland, they made many sacrifices to place my sisters and me in positions where values of strength, faithfulness, independence, and intelligence were built into every facet of our lives. The most impactful theme that became clear to me was serving others who may not be able to serve themselves.
It is for that reason that I chose to pursue a nursing degree. I had always been fascinated by medicine and originally wanted to become a doctor. After doing my research, I realized that nursing is more aligned with my philosophy of how I want to provide care to those around me. Nursing emphasizes “holistic care,” in which we focus on the entire person–mind, body, and soul. Through nursing, I feel that I can best support others by providing compassionate care that focuses on each person’s individual needs and unique experiences.
I truly believe that Prairie View A&M University found me only by God’s hand. Hailing from Waldorf, MD, I did not know anything about this HBCU that was described as “near Houston, but not really.” But on a random day, my dad did his research into the best nursing programs and suggested that I look into this university in Texas. Ever since then, I was hooked on fulfilling my goal of becoming a Productive Panther. After applying and learning that I was selected to be a Regents’ Merit Scholar, I felt that God was further demonstrating to me that He was making a way for me!
Coming to PV, I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought possible. Nothing could have prepared me for the things God had in store. From the moment I stepped on campus, I was a member of the Honors Program HPXI (the 11th Cohort of the Honors Program). As a member, I was fortunate enough to participate in classes that advanced my critical thinking and communication skills. I traveled as the inaugural group to Guanajuato, Mexico, where we established a program that is still ongoing today. I was a member of the US Navy’s Dental and Medical Internship Program as their first-ever Prairie View A&M student, an opportunity I learned about through the Honors Program. As a member of the Prairie View Student Nurses Association, I represented the College of Nursing at a national conference in Orlando, FL. As a Fall 2023 initiate into the Zeta Chi Beta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., I have served as the Dean of Membership and participated in countless service projects and community events on campus. I also served as Mr. College of Nursing in the 2024 Homecoming Court.
I am grateful to PV for further solidifying my belief that I can do anything I put my mind to. It can be so easy for me to discount my talents and skills and intimidate myself from not going after my goals. Fortunately, everything in my life has shown me that I am more than capable of achieving and surpassing my wildest dreams. I thank God, my family, and my support system of friends and professors for helping me to silence my doubts and lean into my light.
Smith at the start of his last (5th) semester in PVAMU’s Nursing Program
One of my favorite movies is Akeelah and the Bee. I have always related to a quote from Marianne Williamson’s “Our Deepest Fear” that Dr. Larabee had Akeelah recite when she spoke pessimistically of her goals and future: “Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” At times, my journey through life has felt like a testament to that, and I encourage everyone to get out of your own way! We are all meant to live our lives in service to others and the only way we can truly do that is through embracing our natural gifts and using them to inspire and uplift others. By doing this, there’s no telling what possibilities you may unlock in your life.
With immense pride and confidence, I am elated to announce that I will be graduating from the illustrious Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors and countless accolades. I have also been fortunate enough to secure multiple job prospects in multiple states in the fields of cardiac and oncology nursing. Although this is a great step ahead in my future, I am dedicated to giving back to the communities that built me into such a successful and productive member of society. My long-term goal is to gain a doctorate in nursing practice and teach at Prairie View’s College of Nursing. In all I do, I hope to be in a position of service and encouragement, pushing and guiding others to shoot for even the most outrageous of aspirations because you never know what may actually come to fruition.
Damon Smith will graduate from Prairie View A&M University this fall with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.