Growing up as the youngest of three, I watched my older siblings attend and graduate from Prairie View A&M University. They have moved on and now have fulfilling lives. Although I was accepted to various colleges across Texas, seeing the traditions, unity, and creativity that thrives within Prairie View ultimately drew me towards choosing PV as my college home.
Since I’ve been attending THE Prairie View A&M University, I have participated in many organizations, such as Prairie View Student Nurse Association and Prairie View International Student Nursing Organization. I’ve also held titles that include College of Nursing Class Historian and Academic Appeal Student Panelist. Volunteer opportunities, such as the campus COVID-19 vaccine drive, Pantherland Day Tour Guide, PV Girls Rocks, and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Blood Drive, have truly made me appreciate the family aura PV brings and the importance of giving back to the community whenever possible.
I am grateful that through an admirable work ethic and perseverance, I received and maintained recognition on the Dean’s List, Honor Roll, and multiple academic scholarships, such as the Distinguished Honors Academic Achievement Award and the Regents’ Student Merit and General Motors Endowed Scholarships.
Ever since I was younger, I knew I had a heart of healing. It is an indescribable feeling to be able to take care of others and see the impact you’ve had on their lives and overall health. I was ecstatic to see that in the summer of 2020, I had received my acceptance letter into the Prairie View A&M College of Nursing in the Texas Medical Center. Little did I know I would be starting my very first semester of nursing school during a pandemic with no in-person classroom sessions and zero hospital exposure. COVID-19 hit hard in many ways, from being secluded in our homes to not being able to see our loved ones. However, through determination and a lot of prayers, I was able to exceed my own expectations and achieve way more than I ever thought possible, no matter what odds were stacked against me. The College of Nursing has taught me to push through any adversities and to keep striving to do my absolute best, and I am thankful for that.
Some advice for future graduating Panthers is to remember your “Why.” Why you started, why you should keep going, why you shouldn’t quit. There’s always a bigger end goal, and nothing is impossible with God by your side. Life is all about balance, so always remember to enjoy the little things and cherish the people within it, especially those pursuing a nursing degree. We may find ourselves, at times, caring so much for others that we neglect self-care. But never feel guilty for taking those extra moments for yourself. Taking care of your own physical and mental health is essential.
Throughout your time at PV, you will hear “Prairie View Produces Productive People.” But you may not understand the magnitude of the motto until entering the next chapter of your life. All of the resources and support are there! Take the initiative to utilize everything you have to make your dreams a reality.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that comparison is the thief of joy! Do not compare your own journey to others’. It’s all in God’s plan and His timing, and before you know it, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you have come.
On December 10, I will graduate Magna Cum Laude with a 3.83 GPA and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (alongside a minor in health). I have received a variety of job offers and am blessed enough to say I have accepted a position in my dream specialty as a soon-to-be Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse. I want to thank my parents, family, and friends for supporting me every step of the way, and I am so excited about what the future holds!
Kenedi Hines 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.
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