By Austin Watkins, Class of ’17
I chose to study at CU because out of all of the schools I toured, Cumberland was the only one that felt like home. My degree earned through the Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions gave me the confidence to provide care for my patients. Nursing requires a plethora of skills–knowledge, social, intuition, empathy, teamwork, and fast thinking. The experiences I had and the relationships I made here shaped my life. This final week of “The Final Stretch” is dedicated to spotlighting our Rudy graduates and their quest in caring for patients. With the nursing shortage still an issue, these graduates like Walter Tanui deserve our support.
Walter Tanui is an international student and future graduate of the Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions at Cumberland University. Having transferred to CU because of the excellent program and clinical opportunities, Walter has found great success in the classroom and on the track. He serves as the student liaison for his nursing cohort as well as a member of the Men’s Cross Country Team. Upon reflection, he credits Cumberland for his personal growth and for allowing him to gain crucial leadership and technical skills that assist him when caring for patients. After graduation, Walter wants to work in the ICU unit at a local hospital, where he will gain valuable experience to begin his studies toward becoming an anesthesiologist.
No doubt Walter is on the path to success given his determination and we couldn’t be prouder to commend him for all of his great efforts during his tenure at CU. Cumberland University doesn’t have a shortage of excellent nursing students, we have an abundance. Take the time this week to encourage the Class of 2024 by donating to “The Final Stretch” today by covering a student’s access fees, course fees, directed study courses, and/or graduation fees. If you have time, please consider writing a word of encouragement here to send them off into the world in a positive way. And don’t forget to join us this Saturday, May 4th at 10am for our Commencement Ceremony on Memorial Hall Lawn.