STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2008
Samantha Smith
University of Huddersfield
WINNER OF
Xcel Healthcare
Student of the Year Award
Xcel Healthcare
Student of the Year Award
Samantha Smith was this year’s winner of the Xcel Healthcare Student of the Year award. Samantha won her award for all the hard work and dedication she has given to her course in spite of difficult circumstances and financial constraints.
Samantha recently completed a Diploma in Nursing Studies (Child) at the University of Huddersfield. Diploma’s in Nursing Studies are notoriously difficult and demanding courses to complete as all assessments have to be passed and in addition to academic work, students are also expected to work in the clinical area. It is a full-time course requiring enormous commitment from those studying it. Throughout her course, Samantha achieved a very high academic standard and applied herself admirably to her academic studies.
Samantha’s tutors describe her as “Hardworking, committed and determined, these are key characteristics that Samantha always demonstrates.” Reports from her mentors, patients and families from practice have been outstanding and have highlighted her great aptitude for child nursing.
Samantha has performed extremely well on her course, despite having a few difficulties of her own to overcome. Immediately prior to commencing her Nursing Diploma, Samantha experienced the death of her grandmother who raised her from an early age. This bereavement left her with no option but to live independently and cope alone from the age of 18.
In addition to dealing with the loss of her grandmother and adjusting to a new life and a challenging course, Samantha has had to finance herself completely. She has worked up to four jobs at a time as well as completing 37 hours a week on her course. Working weekends and evenings left Samantha very little time to complete assignments for her course but through sheer determination and an excellent work ethic, she has succeeded. In spite of such a gruelling schedule, Samantha has always been positive, kind and enthusiastic. Samantha’s nominating tutor commented on how proud they were to have her among the department’s students: “Throughout her course, Samantha has developed into an outstanding professional children’s nurse and has grown into an admirable young woman who is an exemplary role model for anyone wanting to pursue their dream in the face of considerable challenges. She is an inspiration.”
Interview by: Emily Crane
