A Delay is Not a Denial

About this Document: Towards the end of my time as the Writer for MSU's College of Nursing, I began ghost writing because our stories authored in the first person performed better on social media than those in third person. For this particular piece, I was charged with directing the photo shoot of the individual featured and designing the pull-quote in Adobe Illustrator. 

Growing up in Joliet, IL, it was rare for me to see a woman play an important role in the workforce. As a young girl, I often wanted to spring into action and save my family as they struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, and obesity. As I grew and learned more about common illnesses and diseases that plague underrepresented populations, I developed an interest in nursing.
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Nurses are superheroes who spring into action. 

• Nurses save lives;
• remain calm under pressure;
• and make things happen in an emergency. ​​

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A Community of Global Leaders
As the first person in my family to attend college, I was looking for a program with a smaller class size, sense of community, and diversity. I found that MSU’s College of Nursing offered that. 

Spartans are stronger, bolder leaders who empower, global thinkers, and courageous individuals who work together for the greater good. As a global university, the College of Nursing expands beyond our countries borders to solve problems. The diversity and inclusion at MSU give its nursing students a leg up at bridging the gap between culture and healthcare. 

The beauty of nursing is it is so versatile, and the sky is the limit. I am at a point in my life where I want to try new things. 

Gaining Experience in Nursing
Once a week, I facilitate a Smoking Cessation Class at Care-Free Medical Clinic educating the under-served and low-income community in Lansing. For those in attendance, we provide free support — and cover the cost of smoking to a person's health and the people around them. We also discuss the best strategies for quitting. I find it rewarding to make a difference in the community and improve health outcomes as a nursing student. 

Through this experience, I learned to make connections and communicate with people from all walks of life, such as those with mental health issues, drug addictions. My favorite part of this experience is working with people one-on-one and learning about them as individuals.

As a REPID (Research Education Program to Increase Diversity in Health Researchers) scholar, I have been given the opportunity to learn valuable lab skills and gain a research mentor on campus. I am working as a lab assistant in Biomedical Research studying Acetaminophen (Tylenol). I run experiments and collect data on overdose and its effects on the liver (Acute Liver Injury) with Dr. Bryan Copple, associate professor for Pharmacology & Toxicology.

As a result, I have learned that the behind-the-scenes work of research is just as important as bedside care. Research helps me think creatively and always question why. It also has taught me to pay attention to detail, the importance of accuracy, and to document precisely. 

My favorite part of this experience is learning new skills in the lab. I feel like I am contributing to improvements in healthcare.

A Delay is not a Denial
These experiences will help me become a better communicator and more well-rounded. I will be a nurse of many hats and endless opportunities when I begin my career to provide the most effective care.

Take every opportunity because you never know if it could become a new passion. I am a strong believer that every experience has a lesson that shapes you. One of my favorite sayings is “A delay is not a denial." If I took every no I have ever gotten and given up, I would not be at MSU achieving my dreams.

Special Thanks 
I could not have done this without the support of my mom, friends, and God. It took a community to get me to this point in my life.

Makayla Robinson
Traditional BSN student
REPID scholar

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