Brianna Long

Graduation Speech

May 5, 2016

I will never forget the first orientation I attended in preparation for the nursing portion of HACC’s RN program. We were warned several times by upperclassmen, teachers, and other faculty that this would be the hardest thing we would ever do. I thought it could not possibly be THAT bad, especially being in the part time evening program. I now fully understand and realize that they were not lying…they were not even exaggerating. I really cannot believe that I am actually standing here right now graduating from nursing school. For years it was always just a dream and I never believed it could actually be a reality, but here I am. At the time, very few people believed I could even get through the required general education classes much less the clinical portion. In fact, I really wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me “you will never get through nursing school.” Let’s just say my wallet would be overflowing with happiness by now. There were countless times over the years when I believed those people…I thought I could not possibly continue. But I did continue anyway.

When I graduated from high school exactly 10 years ago, I never could have imagined that in a few short months I would become completely bedbound by a debilitating illness. Even then, I still never could have imagined that 10 years later I would still be struggling through surgeries, testing, treatments, adjusting to tubes inside my body, sepsis 3 times, and at times feeling like I lost all of my dignity. However, all of that led to my decision and determination to become a nurse. In high school, health class was not at all my favorite class. I began college in 2006 majoring in meteorology, psychology, and German teaching. It took 3 years for me to realize that even though I enjoyed those topics, the only major that encompassed everything I loved was absolutely nursing. So in 2009, I hopped onto HACC’s website and began the process toward fulfilling my dream. I was determined to give to others what so many wonderful nurses had given to me over the years.

Although there were people who disagreed with my decision, and some who thought I was crazy to even consider attempting nursing school, I did have enough people rooting for me all the way. People who encouraged and supported me every step of the way. Through every single set back, they never lost one bit of faith in me. I would not be standing here today without those people. I remember that during that very first orientation, we were also told “it takes a village to put someone through nursing school.” I am incredibly grateful for my village. A giant part of my village includes my amazingly wonderful classmates. I could not possibly ask for a better group to fight through these past few years with. They all have always supported and encouraged and motivated me to never give up. I am so honored that I have been nominated for this beautiful award by my fellow classmates. I will forever cherish this moment and the time I have spent with you all and I truly believe that each and every one of you are equally deserving of this award as we all fought our own battles over the years in addition to fighting through nursing

school. You are all incredibly caring and talented human beings and you will all make wonderful nurses.

I would like to close by saying thank you so much again for this honor and of course a giant CONGRATULATIONS to the HACC Lancaster RN graduating class of 2016…WE DID IT!!