Kiondra Horton and Evan Stewart cannot contain their excitement for this weekend when St. Joseph’s College of Nursing hosts its first graduation ceremony since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and largest graduation class ever.
“I’m so excited,” said Stewart.
“Me too. We’ve come a long way,” Horton said.
Since June 2020, the two spent their days learning at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing.
They are two of 89 students graduating this weekend. It’s the largest class to ever graduate from the college.
Because of the pandemic, their families won’t be able to attend the graduation, but that’s not stopping them from celebrating.
“I’m having a watch party,” Horton said.
“Me too,” Stewart said.
Though some classes were virtual, Stewart and Horton were able to do in-person clinicals.
Graduating at a time when nurses are in high demand is creating excitement and appreciation for their jobs. And they even have others in their life inspired to do the same.
“I tell them I had a great experience, like I think you should. If you want to do it, do it,” Stewart said.
“I told my daughter, she’s eight. She told me, ‘Mommy, I want to be a nurse, just like you.’ I said, ‘Do it. If mommy can do it, you can do it,” said Horton.
Stewart’s first day on the job is Monday.
Horton starts Jan. 10.
They’ll both be working at St. Joseph’s Health.
