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Above and Beyond Award Angeline F. Wieler’s co-workers gave her the encouragement, opportunity, flexibility and support to help her realize her dream of earning an M.S. degree in Nursing.
The Above and Beyond Award is presented annually to the friends or family members of a graduating student whose support made it possible for the student to achieve her or his goal. Here is an excerpt from the nomination letter for the 2008 recipients by Walden University graduate Angeline F. Wieler.
Having just participated in my graduation in February 2008 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Dallas, Texas, this certainly made me take a long look at my two years with Walden. There is not just someone that certainly met this (Above and Beyond Award) criteria and did more than I could ever fully describe, but a group of people.
I want to share my story because I think the people at the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network of Texas, Inc., collectively, gave me the opportunity and encouragement that led to my achievement.
Two years ago I was working as an educator in nephrology, and . . . working on my master’s degree. I literally had completed my first two courses when (due to paperwork delays) my visa expired, so I was terminated from employment. I had gone from working toward my dreams to being completely alone and unemployed in a foreign country. I continued my studies and searched for other opportunities. I was unbelievably blessed to find the ESRD Network of Texas, Inc. This incredible group of people welcomed me into their offices and supported my pursuit of a master’s degree.
The office became my friends and mentors; they became my family. They would allow me to work the hours I could, when I could. They opened up the work week and gave me the option to work my 40 hours to facilitate my studies. When I needed that shoulder to cry on, they put their arms around me and let me cry. Each one of the people in that office collectively became my support system, my family.
They took a chance on me and invested their time and energy into assisting me to achieve a dream that I have had for a very long time. How can anyone repay that kind of dedication and support?
The following made my dream come true: Glenda Harbert, executive director; Bobbie Knotek, quality improvement director; Gay Grauke, project coordinator; Debbie O’Daniel, office manager; Nancy Carlson, data manager; Geli King-Brown, outreach coordinator; Casey Contreras, data clerk; John Gowan, patient services coordinator; and Doris Wilson, data clerk.
About the Award
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©2008 Walden University |