Introduction

INTRODUCTION

My name is Joy Alu and I currently reside in Tennessee and also call Georgia home. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in nursing. One of the courses I am taking this semester happens to be “Introduction to professional Nursing” which is one of the first semester courses. I am slated to graduate from the college of nursing program by December of 2013. Prior to pursuing a BSN program, I was offered admission to do a doctoral program in Health Care Administration in another university because of my previous Masters degree in Information Technology Management. However, I opted to obtain a BSN degree first. Upon successful completion of the program, I hope to either obtain a Masters Degree in nursing or go straight to do a doctoral program. I do have degrees in other disciplines that I acquired over the years. My first Bachelors degree is in Agricultural Technology which helped form a strong foundation for my quest for knowledge. Others include Bachelors in Christian Psychology and Counseling, Masters in Christian Education plus other vocational certificates. The acquisition of knowledge is a life long process. I can actually say that I have had both in my undergraduate and graduate studies, professors who influenced my life and epitomize what education is all about. They challenge me to continue to excel and take my responsibilities serious.

I come from a family who puts high importance in education. I will say that my parents have been very influential in my life long educational pursuit. My dad holds a PhD and other professional certificates and was a professor for years as well as a Geographical Information Systems Coordinator before his retirement. My mom was busy raising seven kids but managed to go to college. She’s completed her pre-requisite courses and plans to get her RN license. There’s no stopping her now that she has an empty nest at home. I am very grateful to my parents for all their hard work and for instilling in me and my siblings at an early age the importance of education, moral values, service to mankind and God. I am grateful to God for all the opportunities that life has to offer. Additionally, I was a missionary for several years in the Caribbean Islands and also in Africa. I was also a Bible School instructor for several years. Some other positions I've held in the past include that of a Pastor, administrator, customer service representative, sales agent, secretary and manager. I've often found myself in life holding one leadership position or the other. At the moment, I am currently a CNA. I opted to work in this capacity now as it gives me the opportunity to serve and begin getting used to the idea of becoming a nurse. I have worked in this capacity for two years now. I must say that it's been quite a humbling, enriching and challenging experience to say the least. Being a CNA has thought me a lot of lessons but most importantly that of patience.

Consequently, I will attribute my desire to be a nurse to my missionary experiences and my love for people. I often find that some of the places I visited needed the services of a nurse. I love helping people and truly care about them hence; I see the nursing field as an extension of my ministry and assignment in life. It would afford me the opportunity to continue to do what I enjoy the most, which is “making a difference in people’s lives.” My hobbies include but not limited to sewing, cooking, website and graphic designs, interior decorations, song composition, playing the drum, singing, dancing and service to others. I currently do not have any pets at the moment but in the future when I have time to take care of one, I would love to have a parrot and a fish.

Apart from being a full time nursing student at the moment, I also work full time. That is quite challenging to say the least. Sometimes in life, you have to do what you have to do to keep things going but I am also cognizance of the fact that my priority at this moment is my school work which I hope to successfully complete. I find the nursing field completely a whole different ball game and quite challenging indeed especially when you have to combine it with a full time job. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done. After each previous degree, I always told my friends that it would be my last one and they would node with a knowing look and say, “yeah right, time will tell.” Well here I am again as if I haven’t had enough stress already (smile). Right now the spotlight is on my short term goals, time management and taking it just one day at a time. It is my prayer that my classmates and I successfully complete the nursing program. With such excellent instructors that we have, I am optimistic that we will. I look forward to future assignments, different learning experiences as well as the opportunity to rub minds and interact with colleagues and others through this forum. In all, I certainly look forward to great, challenging and fantastic semesters with my professors and classmates. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I truly wish everyone the best in life. May your dreams come through and may you never give up on life, no matter what.