Family death from nursing shortage inspires African-native to earn Miami degree — Journal-News
It was a family tragedy that first led her to consider nursing as a career.A relative in her native African country died while in an under-staffed hospital, Addae said, with only one nurse for every 50 patients.“I vowed to become a nurse to care for the sick,” said Addae, a devout Christian. “I am a woman of faith.”Earning a degree while raising four young children requires much, she said. So, she often turns to one of her favorite Bible passages.“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When the going gets tough, I just talk to my God.”Addae’s perseverance of handling both motherhood times four and undergraduate classes drew both the attention of and praise of Miami University Hamilton professors.“I remember bawling my eyes out one day when I was having a conversation with Miami Professor Dr. Eyad Mussallem because I thought I was going to fail a course,” Addae said. “He encouraged and believed in me when I felt I couldn’t find the strength to carry on.”Addae “is an excellent student who is always willing to volunteer to help other students and goes above and beyond what is asked of her in the classroom,” said Tricia Neu, assistant professor of Nursing and director of the FNP track. “We are so excited to have her in our grad program.”Addae wasn’t surprised by the academic assistance or high quality of it regional nursing professors.“I decided to enroll at Miami University Regionals because of its outstanding academic reputation.”And now she is also setting her sights on smashing a gender stereotype held by some family members in her old country.“Becoming a nurse practitioner will allow me to become the first woman among my siblings to pursue (an advanced degree),” she said. “I’ll break the stereotype that only men can achieve higher academic success in my family.”