CSM Nursing Students Revel in Accomplishments, Prove Hard Work Pays Off

“Your dream may have seemed impossible, but you met and exceeded the standards”

Fifty-seven new nurses received their nursing pins during a Nursing Recognition Ceremony Jan. 12 as part of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) 2023 Winter Commencement. The graduates chose the Nelson Mandela quote “it always seems impossible until it is done” as their theme, and speakers returned to that idea again and again throughout the ceremony.

Graduating student Brandon McNally offered reflections on behalf of the class, remembering how at times the workload and challenges seemed insurmountable.

"I remember during course issue day; Professor Kennedy was using an analogy of all the assignments we had to complete,” said McNally. “He said it was an elephant, and that we should take small bites of the elephant and at some point, the elephant would be eaten. We can all agree that fourth semester was very challenging and at times those bites seemed to be really big. But in the end, we ate the elephant, and we are here now thanks to our amazing professors, family, friends, and peers for supporting us.

“Remember the feeling you are experiencing now of working hard and achieving this goal, which is something that not anyone can do,” added McNally, pictured right. “I want you all to feel confident and to hold your head up high because this is just the beginning of our nursing journey and there are so many doors waiting to be opened that will provide us so many opportunities so continue to work hard and be proud of ourselves.”

CSM Professor Linda Goodman also referenced the graduates’ theme during her opening remarks, offering another Mandela quote for them to reflect on: “After climbing a great hill, one finds that there are many more hills to climb.” She told the graduates to commit to a lifetime of learning and growing in their nursing careers.

The traditional pinning ceremony symbolizes a rite of passage into the professional world of nursing and the nurse’s commitment to those they care for, shared CSM Nursing Professor Linda Hamel. She said that the origin of the nursing pin dates back 800 years. Modern pinning ceremonies date to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George. To share the honor, Nightingale presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates and by 1916, the practice of pinning new graduates was standard throughout the United States.

The history of CSM's nursing pin begins in 1979, when the Associate Degree Nursing Program was established. The pin was redesigned in 2000 when Charles County Community College’s name was changed to CSM.

Guest speaker Lindsey McKenzie ’19 also offered advice for the graduates. As a graduate of CSM’s nursing program who now holds an adjunct faculty position as a CSM clinical instructor, McKenzie shared that she has tried out many specialties in her career. She then reassured the students that it’s ok if they’re not yet sure what area they want to specialize in.

“That’s what I love so much about this profession,” she said. “You’re not expected to know exactly what you want to do as soon as you’ve completed the nursing program. I want you to know what you will find what you love, and I hope you don’t stop until you do.

“I am proud to welcome you, my newest colleagues, into the nursing profession,” McKenzie added. “It is now your turn to make a difference in the lives of so many. Never stop caring and advocating for others, and always strive to learn new things and grow as nurses.”

CSM Professor Annette Ragland provided the closing remarks for the ceremony, congratulating the class on their achievements and returning once again to the graduates’ chosen theme.

“Your dream may have seemed impossible, but you met and exceeded the standards,” Ragland said. “Impossible? Not for you! Always continue to believe that the impossible is possible... Go out there, set your goals, visualize your future, and continue to make the impossible possible.”

Students were recognized by faculty pinners Lauren Guy, Eden Kan, Dawn Leukhardt, Robin Madera, Deborah Rutledge and Robin Young.

Nursing students who received their pins include:

Freda Abel

Virginia Lee Allen-Anderson

Ebere Ogechi Amos-Uhegbu

Pamela Veronica Athey

Brandi Avery

Rebecca Baker

Jessica Butler

Shauna Butler

Starlita Butler

Bria Chontia Campbell

Julia Carbo

Nyla Cole

Lauren Susanne Cross

Katlyn Nicole Day

Taylor N. Dillon

Maren Marie Eells

Rachel Marie Farr

Brittany Marie Felton

Whitney L. Freed

Shaylin Gotsis

Lilianna Gusky

Falon Harper

Rachel Harrison

Kallie Hartman

Queenie Clarisse Bautista Hernandez

Skylar Hogan

DeAsia Johnson

Niaya Johnson

Dustin Jones

William Kenney

Katya Leonzo

Sarah Nicole Lewis

Courtney Lillard

Diana Lopez

Elijah Phillips Atienza Mencias

Brandon McNally

Quenlyn Moore

Shanika Moore

Devin Moreland

Sarah Noble

Jordan Osterloh

Kayla Pauley

Marjorie Renea Plaudis

Tiffany Powell

Kelly Rabasco

Elizabeth Tate

Susan Thiongo

Hannah Tucker

Bernalyn Masong Vaznaian

April R. Wheaton

Courtney Wilson

Breanna M. Windsor

Riley Winkler

Catherine Yearick

Alyssa Yost

Kaitlin Zelonis (Zelonis was the recipient of both the School of Science and Health Academic Achievement Award and the School of Science and Health Achievement in Nursing Award. She is pictured below:)

To view and download photos from this Nurse Pinning Ceremony, visit: https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/23nursing.