‘Life changing’ experiences at STC for BSN grad
Student of the Week: Dominique Young
“If you find that you are struggling in your education, do not hesitate to seek out assistance from the abundance of resources that the college has to offer. The resources are there to help us succeed and make any necessary changes to improve and create more tools for students to utilize."
Being a brand-new nurse under normal circumstances is challenging, but Dominique Young was able to find success even in the face of the current COVID-19 crisis.
Dominique is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and is one of seven BSN graduates who will receive their degree on Dec. 12.
She joined the RN-to-BSN Program straight from the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program in spring 2020.
She faced all her challenges without falter and is now graduating in December with a 4.0 GPA.
“STC was perfect for me because it is affordable, close to home, and has opportunities to further one’s education in a variety of careers,” Dominique said. “My approach to staying focused and determined is thinking about my family, obstacles I have overcome, people I have and will help, and knowing that I become stronger every time I accomplish a task or goal.
“I tell myself that there is no excuse for me not to continue moving forward and aiming for bigger and greater things,” Dominique said.
Calling her experience at STC “life-changing”, Dominique was able to volunteer at the Veteran’s Affairs Office, to strengthen her communication skills. The goal, she said, was to pursue a career in something that she greatly enjoyed and never thought possible.
She became employed at the Center for Learning Excellence at the Nursing and Allied Health campus, which helped her to stay focused on her education and enabled her to help others who struggled with the same obstacles that many other students have experienced.
After graduating from the BSN program, Dominique said the goal is to continue her education towards a Doctoral degree in nursing, with a desire to become a nursing instructor, working at a veteran’s hospital, and specializing in wound care.
Students who complete the Associate Degree in Nursing, and who are licensed Registered Nurses, now have the opportunity to return to South Texas College to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
While an ADN program is tasked with instructing students on nursing and technical aspects, the BSN curriculum is focused more on leadership, critical thinking, management and supervision as well as research and evidence-based courses.
“If you find that you are struggling in your education, do not hesitate to seek out assistance from the abundance of resources that the college has to offer,” Dominique said. “The resources are there to help us succeed and make any necessary changes to improve and create more tools for students to utilize.
“Lastly, know that any situation that you put your heart into can empower you to accomplish the goals you set out to achieve,” Dominique said.