Nwamaka Nwokocha

My passion to provide care and support to vulnerable and sick people brings me tremendous satisfaction and fulfilment. This has inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing with an aspiration to become a Mental Health Nurse. To extend my knowledge and build a proper foundation for my career, I took E.S.L courses before proceeding to College which has improved my essay writing, analytical and communication skills. Currently, I am doing prerequisite courses at Truman College that have helped extend my knowledge in Psychology, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. My strong mathematical skills have improved my problem-solving and logical skills which is indispensable in Nursing. Furthermore, in my quest to understand the biological composition and function of the human body I took a course in Biology which has broadened my knowledge on how different systems work together to maintain a homeostatic environment from the cellular level. Currently, I am taking a course in Psychology which I believe will help build my understanding on how the human mind functions and its effect on behavior and attitude this is imperative for mental health nursing. My grade point average is 3.78. Today my goal of doing what I love most is on track. I am on my way to becoming a registered nurse.
Working as a mental health CNA worker at Lake Shore hospital has helped me to manage patients’ mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. This role has given me a sense of reality and refined my abilities and talents such as empathy, patience, communications and team work skills. Also, this role has exposed me to different practical ways of managing people with challenging behavior, reinforcing my listening skills and enhancing my ability to make my judgments and decisions. Furthermore, working with the nurses has helped me in building relationships with patients and encourage trust, while listening to and interpreting their needs and concern.
One of the most rewarding experiences I had as a mental health CNA (certified nursing assistant) was helping a middle-aged lady who was suicidal. She was a Polish immigrant, so I shared my experience with her on how I had passed through had time in Africa and yet I did not attempt to commits suicide. She was shocked and asked more questions. She could not understand how someone who went through problems, illness, poverty, disadvantages, and family troubles could stay positive and still have a right attitude towards life. She asked me if I drink or smoke but I said no because I do not need that to succeed in life. Through several conversations, she became motivated and started to realize her mistakes and tried to figure out how to become a healthier person. From that moment she was encouraged and wanted to live again. This situation thought me that I am in the right filed and I can use what I have to make a difference in people’s lives. With the help of this Scholarship, I can work towards my goal to achieve my dream.