For Jaime Thorpe, becoming a nurse isn't just a career goal, it's the dream she's carried with her for as long as she can remember.
As a child, Jaime was naturally drawn to caring for others, whether that meant helping family members during illness or simply being there to comfort someone who was hurting. Those early experiences grew into a passion for serving others and ultimately led her to pursue nursing. Her time as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) only reinforced that calling. One patient in particular—a resident with advanced dementia who was frightened and anxious during morning care—reminded Jaime that nursing is about much more than clinical skills.
“I took the time to sit beside her, reassure, her, and speak to her calmly. Eventually she reached for my hand and allowed me to help her,” Jaime said.
By slowing down and building trust, she saw firsthand the impact compassion can have on a patient's experience.
While working as an LPN, Jaime is continuing her education at Research College of Nursing to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become a registered nurse. She hopes to continue expanding her knowledge, embrace new opportunities, and become the best nurse she can be.
"I chose nursing because it's truly my passion," Jaime said. "There's nothing I've dreamed about more than becoming a registered nurse. I believe nursing gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. My goal is to always advocate for my patients, provide compassionate, high-quality care, and ensure every patient feels safe, respected, and comfortable."
The journey hasn't always been easy. Balancing work and school has required discipline, resilience, and careful time management. Nursing school has challenged Jaime to overcome procrastination, stay organized, and consistently push herself to succeed.
"It has helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a person," she said.
Receiving a scholarship from The Research Foundation has made that journey significantly more manageable.
"It's difficult to put into words what this scholarship from The Research Foundation has meant to me," Jaime shared. "It has truly been a blessing and has allowed me to focus more on my education instead of the financial stress that often comes with pursuing a degree. This support has motivated me even more to continue working toward my goals, and I hope to one day give back by helping others pursue their own educational dreams."
Jaime knows her success is possible because of generous donors to The Research Foundation who believe in the next generation of nurses.
"Your support has made a meaningful difference in my life by easing the financial burden of nursing school and allowing me to focus on becoming the best nurse I can be," she said. "Your investment is not only helping me achieve my goals, but it will also allow me to positively impact countless patients and families throughout my career. I am truly grateful."
Thanks to donor support, students like Jaime can focus on what matters most—preparing to provide compassionate, life-changing care to patients and families for years to come.
