Nursing Student Wins NERBNA Scholarship

Congratulations to Marissa Freedman ’20, in the Associate in Science in Nursing program, who has been awarded the Francis W. Harris Scholarship by the New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA). “Marissa is a second semester student in both my theory and simulation for NUR 1025. In a very short period of time, she has already impressed me with her passion and commitment to becoming an excellent and compassionate nurse,” says Lynn Doyle, DNP, CPNP and Associate Professor at Labouré College.

Having worked in the medical field for 20 years on the administrative side, Freedman recently took the leap into nursing: “I’ve been at Children’s Hospital for 16 years, which I love, [but] I believe that I have more to offer to patients and their families at the bed side. I’ve been encouraged by many physicians, nurse practitioners, RNs, and family that I have what it takes to be a nurse.”

Inspired and encouraged by friends and family who are alumni of the college, Freedman applied to Labouré after completing a degree at Bunker Hill Community College. During the Spring 2019 semester, she applied for NERBNA’s annual scholarship program, and was awarded the Francis W. Harris Scholarship.

Reacting to the award, Freedman thanked her professors, Doyle and Kathy Stubbs, MSN, MHA, RN, and Instructor at Labouré, for both directing her to apply and for writing her a recommendation for the scholarship. “This means a lot to me… When I received the letter that I was awarded the scholarship, it made me feel excited and proud that someone read my essay and chose to support me in my dreams. From a financial point, it’s going to help me a great deal to worry less about how to make payments,” said Freedman. “It also makes me want to do better, be a better person, and give back to future nursing students at Labouré.”

“Marissa is a caring, compassionate woman who will be an asset to the nursing community," said Stubbs. "She is always striving to do more to expand her knowledge of nursing, and has met with me frequently for guidance with her studies. It has been a pleasure to be a part of her education."

For those interested in pursuing a career in nursing, Freedman’s advice is this: “Surround yourself with like-minded people. Negative talk will only hinder your growth and development in nursing.  Learn your learning styles, and don’t give up.”

About NERBNA:
The New England Regional Black Nurses Association, Inc. is a chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc. and is a part of the national effort to unify, educate and increase the number of African American Nurses in this country. NERBNA is dedicated to investigating, defining and determining the health care needs of African Americans throughout New England. NERBNA is committed to implementing the necessary changes to ensure that optimum health care is available to African Americans and other underserved communities. NERBNA has been active in the community for more than 44 years offering health screenings, flu vaccinations, mentorship, scholarships, and educational conferences and networking opportunities to nurses and nursing students in the New England area. (source)