Scholar of the Week: December 1

Courtesy Photo: Jackie Bennett

Reggie Thompson
The Paw Print

This week’s Scholar of the Week, senior Jackie Bennett, is an example of a strong, balanced Adams State student.
Nominator Amanda Jojola Director of Nursing/Assistant Professor of Nursing has nothing, but complimentary words for her student.
“She goes above and beyond to help her fellow classmates and nursing colleagues.  This is extremely telling of her leadership and teamwork abilities; two qualities essential for the discipline of nursing.” Jojola says of her scholar student
Chosen for her “goal-oriented” attitude, among many other attributes, Bennett is not only a part-time student but she is also a professional registered nursed and active volunteer.
Bennett is very hands-on with the RN-BSN department. With her previous nursing experience in hand, she volunteers her time and efforts to help students in the school’s traditional nursing department learn basic nursing skills outside of regular classroom/laboratory hours.  In fact, Bennett uses these opportunities to help herself learn more and progress as a nurse.
“One of the best ways for me to learn something well is to explain it to someone else.  If no one is around, I explain difficult concepts to my husband and/or our dog!” says this scholar.
This nurse also attends a majority of faculty and advisory committee meetings as a student representative and is always thinking of new was to help improve the department.  Bennett role is key, because this effects many current and future nursing students.
In addition to all of this, Bennett is the “proud” Medical Coordinator for the Monte Vista 9 Health Fair.
Bennett explains: “every spring we host free medical and dental screenings as well as low cost blood tests for the community.  Each year we have over 1600 participants.”
With the support of Jojola, Bennett is looking to getting her Master’s degree in Nursing Education following graduating in May.
“I am strongly encouraging her to attend graduate school because she is the type of person I would love working on our nursing team,” says Jojola.  “She will excel as she has in our program!”
With all of this experience, knowledge, and ability, Bennett has a good career ahead of her.  Following her schooling, she hopes to return to Adams State and continue her time her as on the other side of the desk, teaching in the nursing department.