From Struggle to Excellence: A Journey of Mentorship, Prayer and Grace

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13, KJV

Some students remain in our hearts long after they leave the classroom. We remember their questions, their struggles and those moments when they begin to believe in themselves. For me, Sanjana (Name changed to protect privacy) was one such student. Her journey reminded me that the influence of a nurse educator reaches beyond lessons, examinations and clinical assessments. Sometimes, it begins with seeing possibilities that a student cannot yet see in herself.

When Sanjana joined our College of Nursing, she found it difficult to keep pace academically. She lacked confidence and needed support to develop consistent study habits and manage the demands of her training. She was also finding her way in her personal and spiritual life. It would have been easy to focus only on what she was struggling to achieve. Yet I believed there was potential waiting to be nurtured.

Through individual guidance, patient teaching, counselling and encouragement, I supported her as she worked through these difficulties. Sometimes, this meant explaining a topic again. At other times, it meant listening, acknowledging a small improvement or helping her approach a setback without losing hope. Prayer was also a meaningful part of that journey.Change came gradually. As Sanjana continued to put in the effort, her confidence grew. She became more engaged in learning and took greater responsibility for her studies. Little by little, she began to recognise that her early struggles did not have to determine the rest of her story.

One subject in which she eventually excelled was Nursing Education. Concepts that had once seemed difficult became clearer through repeated explanations, encouragement and her own perseverance.By the end of her training, Sanjana had received the Best Student Award and earned a Gold Medal in Nursing Education. Seeing her achievement brought me great joy. I thought of the effort behind it: the difficulties she had worked through, the persistence she had shown and the growing belief that she could succeed. As her teacher, I felt grateful to have played a part in her journey and thankful for God’s grace along the way. Yet something else made her progress especially meaningful to me: seeing her grow in her love for the Lord.

She began to recognise nursing as an opportunity to serve others with compassion and to express her faith through the care she offered. Her developing confidence was accompanied by a deeper sense of purpose. For me, this was a reminder that Christian nursing education can nurture knowledge, character and compassion together. We do this through the example we set, the patience we show and the space we give students to grow, while respecting each person’s beliefs and individual journey.

Sanjana’s story has stayed with me because every nursing educator encounters students whose potential is not immediately reflected in their performance. Behind a disappointing result may be uncertainty, personal difficulties or a quiet fear of failure. Taking time to understand the student can help us see what support they need. This does not mean lowering our expectations. It means combining clear expectations with patient teaching, practical support and compassionate guidance. It means recognising effort as well as achievement, and remembering that progress may be slow.

For Christian educators, prayer can sustain us in this work. It reminds us to approach each student with humility and love, recognising that we have a part to play, even when we cannot see the outcome.Not every student’s journey will end with a medal. Some successes will be quieter: the courage to ask for help, renewed confidence after a setback, or the ability to care for a patient with greater understanding. These achievements deserve recognition too.Sanjana’s gold medal was a wonderful milestone. What I treasure most, however, is remembering how she grew in confidence, faith and purpose.

Her journey continues to remind me to look beyond a student’s present difficulties and ask: What might become possible with patient guidance, encouragement and the opportunity to grow?

Mrs. Mabel Catherine John

Secretary

Adventist Nurses International Association (ANIA)