Nursing student, Falon Blessing, honored with USF Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award

College of Nursing undergraduate student, Falon Blessing, received the University of South Florida Summer 2013 Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award for demonstrating exceptional achievements in leadership, community service, work experience, and school spirit while completing her degree at USF.

Blessing is an undergraduate senior student majoring in nursing with a minor in public health. She expects to graduate with a bachelor’s degree on Aug. 10, 2013.

USF President, Judy Genshaft, and the USF Alumni Association recognize one graduating senior student each semester with the prestigious award acknowledging their outstanding achievements. The outstanding graduate is honored as a special guest at USF Commencement, and is seated onstage with the distinguished platform party during the ceremony. Blessing will be honored at the summer 2013 USF Commencement on August 10, 2013.

While completing her degree, Blessing has stayed involved on campus, in the local community, and abroad. She has served as a Green and Gold Guide giving tours on campus, on the board for the Honors College of Student Council, the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement’s Emerging Leader Institute, the Florida Student Nurse Association, secretary for the USF Scuba Club and a member of the College of Nursing Student Council. Abroad, she participated in a “Passport to Europe” course in Germany through the Honors College, and spent a month in India to study the healthcare system through the National Gilman Scholarship.

“While there, I was able to gain an understanding of the health challenges facing that part of the world,” Blessing said. “I have a passion for travel and would like to use my knowledge and skills to volunteer abroad in less-developed countries.”

In addition to this Outstanding Graduate Award, Blessing received several other awards including the National Gilman Award, the USF Golden Bull Award, and the USF College of Nursing’s Community Service Award for her work with the Circle of Love Children’s Grief Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and LifePath Hospice.

“The art and science of becoming a nurse has taught me to be brave and embrace the outer boundaries of my comfort zone in order to achieve my optimum potential,” Blessing said. “On any given clinical day, a student nurse never knows what kind of situation he or she is walking into. The result of this dynamic learning environment yields an individual who is adaptable and resilient—characteristics that are essential for success both personally as well as professionally. I look forward to applying the skills and values I have gained at the CON to improve healthcare and contribute to nursing as a profession.”

Blessing will continue her academic journey as a Bull Nurse pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at USF College of Nursing.

For more stories on Falon Blessing from USF College of Nursing News site click here.

To read USF Alumni Association’s story on Falon Blessing Outstanding Graduate Award click here.