Members of the first graduating class of Worcester State University were praised and reminded that they create their path to graduation at the Senior Capping and Honors Convocation Ceremony Thursday, October 21.
“You have the ability to create anything you want for yourself and your life,” keynote speaker Kimberly Harmon `95, R.N., told the seniors and their families and friends gathered for the ceremony in The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. “As long as you remember to be true to you and make your dreams your future. Remember, you create the path to graduation.”
Harmon encouraged seniors to be open to learning more than what is in textbooks and in the classroom. “These lessons…are priceless and you too will soon come to realize this,” she said.
Harmon credits her nursing professors for teaching her this valuable lesson.”I learned how to be a ‘real nurse.’ I learned that it’s OK to sit by your patient’s bedside and hold their hand,” she said.
Though the foundation for her career in healthcare was laid at Worcester State University, Harmon offered seniors five of her “coaching tips” that she’s embraced over the years and shares with her students, employees, fellow entrepreneurs, and her children: be coachable, be uncomfortable, be fearless, be unreasonable, be successful, and be authentic.
Harmon serves as CEO of Auburn VNA, where she focuses on providing home health services to those in need. She embarked on her mission to become a nurse first at Becker College, where she earned a medical assisting degree in 1989, and then at Worcester State University, where she earned her B.S. in Nursing in 1995.
Senior Capping is a special ceremony held each fall at WSU. This annual event formally recognizes members of the senior class, marks the beginning of the new academic year, and celebrates scholarship recipients. The tradition also marks the first time that seniors may wear their academic caps and gowns.
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