REFLECTIONS
By MacKenzie Simmons
Being a part of the NSNA Board of Directors
Over a year ago , I was elected as the 2023-2024 NSNA Imprint Editor in Nashville , TN , at the NSNA 71st Annual Convention . NSNA ’ s impact on my nursing school experience is astounding , especially in the past year . Before embarking on this journey as a newly elected member of the Board of Directors , I did not know the impact and growth I would experience . Being a part of the NSNA Board of Directors has been a long-time dream of mine since joining NSNA at the start of nursing school . However , I never saw this dream as truly achievable . I am so incredibly proud of the “ Imprint ” that I was able to leave on NSNA . My journey with NSNA will forever be cherished as I look back on my final year of nursing school and smile because I chose to chase my dreams .
NSNA has taught me not only how to serve as a national leader with confidence , dignity , and servitude , but also enriched my experience as a student nurse each step of the way . I never imagined all the lasting personal and professional connections I would make through this journey . NSNA stirred up a love for nursing organizations inside me and I hope to continue forming more impactful bonds with other associations nationwide as I embark on my journey as a registered nurse .
Being a part of the NSNA Board of Directors has encouraged me to continue dreaming big . I may not achieve all my goals right away , but I believe that with time , drive , and a commitment to achieve them , I will . If you have a dream , even far-fetched , I encourage you to chase after it ! I believe that you can achieve even the impossible with faith and a positive mindset . It may not happen the first time , the second time , or even the third time , but do not give up and do not lose hope . It takes believing in yourself first because if you don ’ t believe in yourself then why would others want to believe in you ?
Within my nursing school journey , I did experience a lot of high moments like becoming Imprint Editor , but also experienced so many lows , and even “ NOs ,” that allowed me to persevere and become an even better leader , person , and friend . I learned that while chasing your dreams , you may lose people who you thought were on your side , but you will gain even better cheerleaders along the way . I learned that true friends want to watch you succeed in life and stay by your side despite both the highs and the lows . I found such amazing friends within the 2023-2024 NSNA Board of Directors . I will forever cherish the laughter-filled memories , nights of bonding and even crying together , and all our incredible achievements as a team and as friends .
I did receive several NOs while in nursing school that honestly often felt like breaking points . But despite the no ’ s that I received when achieving my newfound dreams , I continued to keep pushing on . Failure is not fatal , it is an opportunity to learn , grow , and flourish . I believe that everything happens for a reason , even disappointing things . During this journey , I learned what it was like to be on the other side as the worried family member watching your loved one be cared for . I watched my aunt and grandfather be admitted to the ICU during this journey . Through these hard moments , I learned to never take time with loved ones for granted and to always be kind to others because you never know what is going on behind the scenes . I watched as such kind nurses cared for both of my loved ones and knew that I wanted to be the type of nurse that left a lasting “ imprint ” on my patients .
During my term as Imprint Editor , I was able to surpass many of the goals I set forth to achieve . I owe this to my steadfast belief to never give up , my drive
April / May 2024 43