“It’s possible.”
That’s the message Dean’s Award winner Amelia Godwin has for others who face challenges and circumstances in life and want to return to school to pursue a higher education.
Godwin left high school in her teens and didn’t earn her high school diploma until her 20s. Today, as neurodivergent woman of colour, a domestic abuse survivor and a mature student who’s raising two daughters, she sees the diploma in Practical Nursing that she’ll receive on June 14 as more than just a credential.
“This graduation symbolizes my independence, sacrifice, and resiliency,” she said. “For my children, this symbolizes a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, and access to opportunities that I lacked growing up. This ceremony – for myself and for all who see it – represents that struggle does have an end, and that end is something to be fought for and celebrated.”
At times, Godwin said she felt like she was “barely keeping my head above water,” and was surprised when she learned hers was the highest grade-point average of any student in the School of Nursing and PSW. Still, she credits the people in her life – including her classmates and instructors – for inspiring her and challenging her to do better.
“To me, this award boasts of the community I have made which, in turn, has made me,” Godwin said as she reflected on her NC experience. “This award is for the people who supported me and at times carried me through the past two years.
Amelia Godwin
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award Winner, School of Nursing and PSW
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
Completely and utterly humbled. I’m also incredibly, profoundly proud because I’ve come such a long way.
This is an award for my class. Without them, I would be lost too many times to count. Because of them, I was inspired to keep working, encouraged to be creative, and challenged to do better. It was they who held me when I cried, reminded me to eat, and made me smile.
This is an award for my professors, lab techs and clinical supervisors. Without their absolute benevolence and patience, there are many classes I would not have passed. They taught me how to learn, how to think, how to advocate/fight, and how to care. Because of them, I understand that small details matter – and that sleep is a precious commodity that can be frivolously ripped
away!
This is an award for my children, who spent many nights saying good night to me on the phone and studying with me instead of playing. Without them, there are many days I would lack a reason.
Lastly, to my Grandma Bonnie (G.G.), this award, this degree, and my eternal gratitude (is hers). (She) gave up (her) retirement, time and at moments, I’m sure, (her) sanity to help me.
What inspires/motivates you to succeed?
I have both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. Extrinsically, my grandmother provided the actual means to accomplish this feat. Knowing that someone else has stopped their life to help start yours is more than enough motivation. Intrinsically, as a mature student who was consistently prevented from re-entering academia, I now hold on to and appreciate whenever I get the opportunity to learn. As a result, it is not enough for me to simply be in class, not enough for me to “get by.” I need to excel, because if I don’t, I will feel like I don’t deserve to be there, or that this opportunity I won’t get again.
What were you doing before attending NC?
I was completing my Associate of Science at Vancouver Community College, attending Brock for Biological Sciences, working at McDonald’s, and mothering my girls.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
At the start of the pandemic, I was in my second year of studying Biology at Brock University (and) had just embarked on the journey of leaving an abusive marriage. I quickly realized that the divorce process might take a year or two to complete, and I knew that the job market for biology graduates, is sparse. The high risk of unemployment, combined with the impending costs of financially supporting my daughters, led me to consider a change in program. I began looking for one- or two-year diploma options, and that’s when practical nursing found me!
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
I look at my hand and I’m dumbfounded! It moves effortlessly, almost without conscious thought. Our body’s systems are distinct but interconnected in this homogenized mess that somehow thinks, moves, acts, and is you. I truly believe that health, biology, anatomy, physiology and any other science related to people – to life – is unifying. It is the one field that we, as the human race, are all both experts and students, even if we’ve never picked up a book.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program. Did it change since you started?
I have always dreamed of being a doctor. Following the completion of this program, my conviction has never been stronger, and I’ve never been more sure that it’s what I’m supposed to do. I crave understanding and a deeper knowledge of the field. I want to know why, I want to know more!
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
I’ve experienced countless memorable moments throughout my journey. From my first clinical placement to my initial presentation, donning scrubs for the first time, receiving my first stethoscope, the first time a professor told me I did a good job, facing my first failure, tutoring my first student, and meeting my best friend, Midori.
One particular highlight (or perhaps lowlight) stands out vividly in my memory: an all-night study session with my friends. I recall the surreal scene of us huddled together around whiteboards, our eyes bloodshot from staring at their luminescent glow, our minds foggy after three consecutive days of relentless studying and back-to-back tests. We were delirious, half-asleep, rereading the same line in the textbook as if stressing different syllables or altering our cadence would make it comprehensible. In that moment of camaraderie and shared exhaustion, amidst tearful laughter and snorts, we found solace and strength. These are the moments I will hold onto.
What did you find rewarding about your program?
I find immense fulfillment in being part of a constantly evolving field. Given that I didn’t always have access to this kind of education, the opportunity to continuously learn is particularly meaningful to me. Additionally, I have a deep passion for educating people about their health and bodies. Providing this knowledge not only corrects misinformation but also promotes self-advocacy and empowers individuals to access the appropriate resources. One of the most rewarding aspects of my program was knowing that I get to genuinely care for people.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
Beyond becoming a single parent, working part-time, taking courses at a different school and going (through a) divorce, these past years have been marked by the unfortunate illnesses and untimely deaths of many people close to me: great uncles, aunts, grandparents, friends. I can confidently say this has been the most challenging, lonely, and arduous period of my life–mentally, physically, and financially. Truthfully, reflecting on it, I don’t know how I’m still standing, except for the support of my family and friends and the compassion and generosity of the lab team, people working with me, and the amazing professors.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I did consolidation on the oncology floor at Niagara Health and I could not be more thankful to the team there for welcoming me with open arms, for encouraging me, guiding me, correcting me, and adopting me. Every time I go to that floor, it feels like coming home to family, and that’s the kind of care I’m happy I got to witness and now provide for my patients.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
During my time at Niagara College, I helped facilitate the Dementia and Schizophrenia training. I was also the lab assistant and peer tutor for the Nursing, PSW, and academic upgrading programs. Furthermore, I was a part of “Let’s Talk Science,” an initiative that allows me to go into primary and secondary schools and spread my love of health care and science through teaching. I was also a science fair judge, laboratory assistant in a master’s lab exploring pest insects and associated cover crops at Brock University. I’m a member of the Golden Key Society, Medplus Co-op, The Black Collective, and Leadership Development Club.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Truthfully, it was the real-life stories provided to me by clinical supervisors, lab technicians, and professors that held relevancy throughout my consolidation and work experience. Beyond the practical skills this program has taught me, I also feel that soft skills such as communication, cultural competency, and conflict resolution were mainstays throughout the program. This program ingrained in me the importance of advocacy and why our voice is a necessary and a powerful agent of change.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC? Are you working towards a career goal or are you planning to pursue further education?
I still haven’t really stopped. I was still taking courses at Brock towards my undergrad in Biological Sciences while I was in my nursing program and I am happy to report that I finally completed that degree as of April 2024. I was also doing orientation at my new job. I have been hired in the emergency department in St. Catharines and I’m so blessed and excited for my future there. Lastly, I have just begun prep towards taking the MCAT in pursuance of my larger goal of becoming an emergency medicine physician.
Any other info you feel is important and would like to share?
Just some non-academic advice for future students: Start “dumb,” but never end that way. Be loud when you ask questions, when you need something re-explained, or when you need the professor to slow down. Share openly. Knowledge should never be hoarded; your grade never hurts someone else’s, so learn together. Learn to teach so you can learn to learn. Be enthusiastic when you speak; often it’s the only way people will listen. Assume good intentions and clarify with people. School is not easy. Life doesn’t stop for school, and school doesn’t stop for life. If you find that you need help with either, ask. And…don’t let your fear of “no” stop you from trying.
