We’re so proud of the more than 2,600 people who earned the privilege of walking across the stage at the university’s Spring Convocation ceremonies at the Winspear Centre, including more than 400 from the Faculty of Nursing and over 150 from the School of Continuing Education.

Here, future nurses and health-care professionals look back on their time at MacEwan and toward their bright futures.

Francesca Bacani

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

During one of my final preceptorship shifts, I found myself reflecting on how far I had come since my first year. I remembered being nervous during my first shift – even something as simple as putting a blood pressure cuff on a patient felt horrifying. Standing there years later, caring for patients with confidence and independence, I realized how much I had grown not only as a nursing student, but as a person. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me of everything I had learned, overcome and accomplished. The experiences, mentorship and friendships I gained here have played a huge role in shaping who I am today.

I think one of the best things about nursing is that, even after a tiring shift, you can go home knowing you were there for someone during one of the most difficult times in their life. I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible patients, listening to their stories and learning something from each person I have cared for. Those connections are what continue to make nursing meaningful to me.

I'm currently working as a graduate nurse at the University of Alberta Hospital. I'll be studying for my National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) this summer, and continuing to grow my skills and knowledge as I transition into independent practice. In the future, I hope to be an educator, whether in the hospital or maybe even as a clinical instructor at MacEwan.

Guarav Chhetri

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

My son was born just before I started nursing school, so he was growing while I was growing. As he was learning to walk, talk and explore the world, I was learning how to become a nurse. On difficult days, that gave me perspective. I wasn’t just getting a degree, I was building a future for my family and becoming the kind of person my son could be proud of.

Nursing changes the way you see ordinary moments. You begin to notice small details. You listen differently. You think about safety, dignity, communication and how people experience care. Nursing school challenged me academically and personally, but it also helped me become more patient, disciplined and aware of the impact one person can have.

My final preceptorship at the Cross Cancer Institute was one of the most challenging and meaningful parts of my nursing education. Oncology care taught me that nursing is both technical and deeply human. Patients may be dealing with pain, uncertainty, treatment effects, complex symptoms or end-of-life concerns, and nurses have to bring both competence and compassion into every interaction.

Long term, I am interested in the connection between bedside nursing, cancer care, clinical research, patient safety and leadership. I hope to keep building my skills as a nurse and eventually contribute to health care beyond individual patient encounters, whether through research, quality improvement, education or leadership.

Elena Yoon Yeena Fraley

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

I’ve always wanted to help people, and wanted to go into the medical field since Grade 11, but I felt discouraged at the time. I tried teaching, but medicine kept calling to me.

I struggled to make true friends when I moved to Edmonton from Calgary, especially with some classes being online. But the people I met in clinicals, on campus and even just off campus at Boulders Climbing behind MacEwan really helped me adjust to living alone in a different city. My roommate at the time, Sasha, made a huge difference. She was my number-one support system and she’s seen me at my best and my worst. Having some food or a cold drink at Towers with friends – or doing karaoke on Thursdays – was always a great way to unwind after a long week.

My favourite part of my time at MacEwan was definitely the clinical experiences. I felt prepared for the working world, while being able to experience different fields within nursing. My final placement in Vegreville will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I’ve moved back to Calgary and have a job as a registered nurse at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre! After that, I’ll possibly move somewhere to work as a rural nurse or a travel nurse!

Jibi Johnson

School of Continuing Education
Gerontology and Hospice Diploma
Dean’s Medal – Diploma

I am originally from Kerala, a beautiful state in southern India. Coming from a remote village, studying abroad once seemed like a distant dream. Moving to Canada was a life-changing experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. My family has been my greatest source of inspiration – their belief in me gave me the strength to continue pursuing my goals, even during difficult times.

I was completing my final semester while preparing for the arrival of my baby, which made balancing coursework, assignments and pregnancy incredibly challenging. There were times when I doubted whether I could manage everything, but looking back, that experience taught me resilience, perseverance and the importance of believing in myself.

I have always felt a strong desire to care for elderly individuals and people who need support during vulnerable stages of life. I believe that older adults deserve dignity, respect and quality care, and I hope to contribute positively to their lives using what I learned about person-centred care. Through class discussions, projects, and interactions with peers and instructors, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassionate care.

I’m currently preparing for the NCLEX examination. I look forward to serving patients and families with compassion while continuing to learn and grow as a health-care professional.

Soohyun Kim

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

I’ve always wanted to work in a field where I can help people directly. I wasn’t sure if nursing was the program for me, but I absolutely love it. Helping patients who need medical assistance and seeing them recover always motivates me.

My favourite part of my program was my clinical experience. Integrating theoretical concepts and knowledge while practicing nursing skills on actual patients was somewhat nerve-wracking, but very exciting and fulfilling. Now, I will be working as a registered nurse in an emergency department, helping patients who need urgent medical support.

Meeting my current best friends in my second year of university changed my whole experience. We enjoyed and overcame all the good and tough times together. They are not only smart, creative and hard-working, but also extremely supportive and thoughtful. Whenever I felt unmotivated, frustrated or stressed, their resiliency and effort always made me get back to work.

When I started the nursing program, I also started feminizing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I feel like I am a totally different person now, mentally and physically. It has been very challenging, but I am glad I was able to transition to a woman safely while studying here. The four years at MacEwan have been a life-changing experience for me.

Modupe Elizabeth Olumilua

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

My family and I relocated to Canada from Nigeria in 2019. Starting all over in a new country came with challenges, but it also gave me an opportunity to rethink my future. Although I already held bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology, I decided to return to school and build a new career in nursing.

My husband and four children sacrificed alongside me. There were evenings when I was studying for exams instead of spending time with them, and weekends dedicated to assignments and clinical preparation. Yet they continuously encouraged me and celebrated every milestone. My children are my greatest source of motivation – I wanted them to see that it is never too late to pursue their goals.

Previous accomplishments are not lost when you start over – they become the foundation for your next chapter. My psychology background strengthened my nursing practice, and my experiences as an immigrant and a mother taught me resilience, adaptability and empathy. Looking back, what once felt like setbacks became some of my greatest strengths.

One of my long-term goals is to establish my own nursing practice, where I can provide quality care, support underserved communities, and help improve health outcomes for individuals and families.

Joen Ray Zalvidar Pedregosa

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

I was initially drawn to nursing because it’s a caring profession. I also loved the cardiovascular system unit in high school, and took a student research internship that taught me about the mental health of newcomer young men.

I believe that a strong public health system and a healthy, connected community prevents people from becoming unhealthy and going to the hospital emergently. I’ve been involved with the MacEwan chapter of the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association since my first year, and all of the friends I’ve made have been an inspiration to me. I was also part of the Queer Leadership Team at the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Through these communities, I’ve learned just how vast health care can be. I’ve had opportunities to talk to nurses from across Canada about how health care varies by region, and to my peers about how different health care is as a queer person, both as a provider and a patient.

I would love to pursue an after degree with an end goal of becoming a teacher of some kind, whether that’s through pursuing medicine or a master’s in nursing. It’s amazing to see the impact teachers and health-care providers can have on their students, who in turn, take their lessons into the field.

Darlen Joy Rabano Yoma

Perioperative Nursing for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses Post-Diploma Certificate

I came to MacEwan to advance my nursing career in a specialized area. I had a nursing background and clinical experience in the Philippines, and when I received an opportunity to work in the operating room while taking a perioperative nursing course, I saw it as the right step forward.

I appreciated having a professor who created a comfortable environment for asking questions and practicing skills. The skills lab sessions were the first time I met my classmates in person – many of whom were also Filipino nurses, which made the experience even more meaningful. We were able to share our diverse nursing backgrounds, learn from one another and apply those experiences collaboratively during lab activities.

During breaks, I often spent time on the 109 Street pedway, watching cars pass by and taking in the city view. To me, it represented balance – between study and rest, movement and stillness – and gave me a moment of quiet focus during demanding school days. Standing there allowed me to pause, clear my mind and reset before returning to class.

Lilyah Richardson

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dean’s Medal – Degree

Nursing truly felt like a calling for me. I knew I had the right qualities to thrive in the profession, including compassion, empathy, a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Nursing offered the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and provided the intellectual challenge of a highly skilled and evidence-informed profession.

I love that nursing offers endless opportunities to learn, grow and challenge myself. It is a career built on lifelong learning. Health care is always evolving, and nurses must continually adapt to new research, technologies and approaches to care. Nurses can explore different specialties, work in diverse health-care settings and develop entirely new skill sets throughout their careers.

My fourth-year preceptorship in the emergency department at the Sturgeon Community Hospital was a highlight. During every shift, I found myself drawing on knowledge from every year of the program, which reinforced for me that the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program truly matter. Seeing how each piece fit together helped me recognize how much I had grown and shaped who I am today as a novice nurse.

My goal is to work in the emergency department, as my clinical experiences sparked an interest in emergency nursing and the fast-paced, dynamic environment it offers. I also hope to pursue additional education, although I am still exploring which path is the best fit for me. For now, I am focused on gaining experience, learning from those around me and building a strong foundation for my nursing career.