Unscripted Magazine Spring 2024 - Flipbook - Page 27
“That made the experience all the more special,”
“I have full confidence that Kelly will be a well-rounded
Joyce said. “Kelly was often busy with her shifts
person in whatever she does; it’s in her nature,” she
on campus so the time we spent together was
added. “But because of this Fellowship, she’ll have
little, but I got to know her through her work ethic
an even fuller picture of what nursing care consists
and her heart for others. And my husband got to
of before she graduates, and she’ll carry with her a
know her too.”
willingness to hear other people’s ideas, perspectives,
and feelings—whether they’re older than her, younger
“ Because of this
Fellowship, she’ll
have an even
fuller picture of
what nursing care
consists of before
she graduates.”
than her, or different in some other way. And that’s so
important in today’s world.”
Joyce still sees Kelly now and then as Kelly has
continued working as an NA in a PRN capacity during
her final semester at Messiah University. The two
exchange smiles and warm hellos, mutually thankful
for the unique experience that they shared. “We’ll
always have a connection,” Joyce added.
True to her hospitable spirit, Joyce let her new
friend Kelly know that she’s always welcome back—
to visit or to stay the night if she ever needs to. The
open-door invitation exists for future Fellows too,
as Joyce has expressed interest in hosting another
student if the opportunity once again presents itself,
even encouraging some of her neighbors and friends
to keep an open mind too.
“It gives me a lot of hope for future generations to see
hard-working young people like Kelly who choose to
step outside of their comfort zone and fully step into
an atmosphere that is different than what she’s used
to, to learn hands-on around-the-clock about what
working for and living at a continuing care retirement
community is like,” Joyce said.
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