My experience at Stenberg has been nothing but incredible! I have achieved and accomplished so much in this last year that I wanted to share with you all just how amazing entering school can and has been. I have gained so much from these 51 weeks, from not knowing where I may “fit” into this curriculum, to coming out victorious with so much knowledge and self-awareness that it is positively one of the best experiences of my entire life. I feel I need to share the things that I have learned at Stenberg that a textbook cannot teach you, things that every student needs to know.
1. Be self-aware
One of the most crucial tips for succeeding in my field is to be self-aware. Know exactly who you are as a person and never shy away from showing your true self. People find comfort in that, and being in healthcare, comfort is always a good thing.
2. Relate information
I learned this early on at Stenberg, while some were strictly focused on what was written in the textbook, I was focused on how I can relate this information to my everyday life so that my mind could comprehend it. I started off by shouting out my answers, whether they were right or wrong. Just let it out otherwise you are only going to learn what someone else has already learned via their outlook on it, not yours. It is up to you how you take in the information, not up to the rest of your class on how they take in theirs.
3. Have no filter
I always say I have no filter (but I am still respectful with my words) and by this I mean I say things that most don’t like asking “why?” I know it is written so it must be true, but why is it true? Why is it that way? Don’t be afraid to question things because you are continuously answering questions in class, so it is only fair that you get to ask some yourself. If you are an inquisitive, funny and outgoing type of person out of school, keep it that way in the classroom as well, because I guarantee that that’s what will set you apart from others and make you, YOU!
4. Get involved
The last thing I want to touch on is use every bit of Stenberg that you can. Whether it’s the student council or life coaching services or just talking with your student advisor, seek the resources and use them like you are starving and they are your last meal. Some may look at any of these services or volunteer positions and think, “hmmm that’s not for me or I don’t need that.” Well, guess what? You might and there’s a 90% chance you do need them. You are just not aware of it.
At the end of the day when all is said and done, and you have paid your loans, done your time at school and received your hard-earned diploma, you need to sit back and appreciate that you did everything you could to make your time at Stenberg the best and most constructive experience possible. Remember you are only going to get out as much as you put in. I, Sabrina Halladay, Hospital Support Specialist, Valedictorian with academic distinction, guarantee that if you put in 150% you will get that exact amount back from Stenberg.
Stenberg is one of the very few schools who recognize their students on a higher level than most. Your hard- work, extra-curricular activities, and hard-earned knowledge will not only carry you through to a bigger and brighter future but will get you that recognition that deep down after a hard day’s work we all seek and deserve. Stenberg not only tells you that you did good, but shows you, with either their kind, encouraging words, or the above and beyond graduation ceremony they hold for all of us upon completion.
Are you interested in pursuing Hospital Support Specialist career? Visit Stenberg to learn more, or to speak with an advisor.
