Amy Armstrong graduated with a bachelor's in healthcare administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of the healthcare system. However, her passion for caring for people took on a new dimension when she experienced the transformative impact nurses can have while going through the journey of becoming a mother. During that time, she interacted with various nurses and witnessed firsthand how their knowledge, compassion, and dedication made a profound difference in her experience.

That pivotal moment inspired her to take the next step in her career and pursue nursing. She believes that as a nurse, she can provide care and support for patients and advocate for their needs on a deeper level. Her long-term goal is to further her education, potentially earning a doctorate to contribute to the future of nursing as a professor. She aspires to help shape passionate, well-prepared nurses who will carry forward the values of empathy and leadership that are crucial in this field.

Participating in this honors track, which focuses on leadership and policy, aligns perfectly with her goals. She hopes to develop the skills to influence healthcare policy and lead teams that improve patient care and outcomes.

Ashley Ballard graduated with honors from Texas A&M University in May 2024, earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Throughout her time at Texas A&M, she was involved in many organizations that helped to shape her leadership capabilities and build connections within the community. One of the major community service opportunities that further strengthened her strong pursuit of becoming a nurse one day, was through a student volunteer program at St. Joseph's Hospital in College Station. Here she volunteered in the PACU and NICU units for several semesters, as well as got several shadowing opportunities, allowing her to witness and be a small part of a profession she deeply admired and aspired to join in the near future. Ashley is forever thankful to have joined the School of Nursing at UTMB in May 2024 and to be a member of the PLUS program to further shape her into the future nurse graduate and leader that she is today. She is beyond thankful for the staff, her family and friends, and her peers for supporting her every step of the way.

Quite frequently what I have found out about the role models in my life is that leaders come in various forms, and some of the greatest leaders may not even hold formal titles. However, all seem to leave a lasting impression of empathy, resilience, and integrity, by leading by example, keeping the best interest of others at heart, and are not afraid to speak up during injustice. Leaders understand that their team members or others they are serving, are human first and show continuous support through endless obstacles by building trust and foster a positive environment for others.

Campbell Cody earned his Bachelor of Science in Allied Health, from Texas A&M University in College Station. Throughout college he worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant where he gained a passion for helping others and solidified that nursing was the career he wanted to pursue. During his time in this program, he has challenged himself to take up leadership roles such as student ambassador, peer mentor, and being an active member in SNA where he has had the opportunity to guide and give advice to incoming students. Campbell is interested in nursing policy and leadership because he has the goal of moving to rural areas of Texas to provide healthcare to underserved communities where they often face shortages of healthcare workers and resources. His goal is to use his knowledge of policy and leadership he learns from PLUS to hopefully change that narrative and give those living in rural communities' equal healthcare opportunities. Campbell is very thankful for UTMB, PLUS, and everyone who has encouraged and supported him along the way. He can't wait to graduate and use the amazing information and knowledge he has gained here at UTMB as a nurse.

The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things. — Ronald Reagan

Bryce Dugie graduated with honors from San Jacinto Community College, where he completed his Associate of Arts degree and essential prerequisites for the UTMB School of Nursing. Bryce is dedicated to providing his future patients with advocacy and compassionate care through some of his unique experiences working in nursing homes in Northeast Ohio and being a Clinic Coordinator in an ENT and Ophthalmology outpatient clinic in Aspen, Colorado. He is currently participating in the PLUS program, which enables him to step out of his comfort zone to build on his leadership and policy development skills. He aspires to be a director of a healthcare organization, leading others to be the best they can be every day.

Growing up as one of eight siblings, Bryce learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and resilience in the face of adversities at an early age. This fuels his ambition to become a future leader in the healthcare system. His passion for healthcare is rooted in the challenges he witnessed through the experiences of his close friends and family, including the loss of a close friend to brain cancer and the ongoing health struggles faced by his youngest brother. These experiences, along with many others, inspire Bryce to be the beacon of light and hope for patients and their families as he creates positive change in the health of the communities he plans to serve.

Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge. — Simon Sinek

Paige Encarnacion completed her prerequisite courses at Austin Community College as a pre-nursing major. In high school, she obtained her Patient Care Technician certificate. Throughout her undergraduate career, she worked as a care provider. She was a Texas Health and Human Services Respite provider for special needs adults, providing services in the home and community. She has also worked as a nanny for three families.

During her time in the BSN program, she has been a Course Representative for Introduction to Professional Nursing, a Student Nurse Ambassador, a Secretary of the Student Nurses Association, and a peer mentor. She has taken inspiration from her grandmother, who emigrated to the United States to be a nurse at UTMB, and from both of her parents, who are master's level nurses.

Paige is interested in shaping health policy for underserved and underrepresented communities in the future. Paige is thankful for this opportunity to learn how healthcare policy is developed from the nursing perspective.

Alexandria Gibson earned her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a minor in Business from Texas A&M University in College Station. Her academic journey provided her with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare's clinical and business aspects. Alexandria gained practical experience as a medical biller at the Texas A&M Health Hub during her undergraduate studies. In this role, she engaged directly with patients to discuss their medical bills and insurance policies, enhancing her understanding of the healthcare business landscape and its impact on patient care. Alexandria has also demonstrated her leadership abilities through various roles at Texas A&M, notably as Vice President and Fundraising Officer for the club cheer team.

Her interest in the intersection of leadership and nursing policy led her to participate in the PLUS program. Additionally, she serves as a tutor for the UTMB School of Nursing, supporting incoming students in their academic pursuits. With a lifelong passion for healthcare, Alexandria chose nursing for its focus on patient care and the meaningful connections that nurses create with their patients. She firmly believes that healing begins at the bedside and recognizes nurses' vital role in influencing healthcare policies. Through her commitment to patient advocacy and her belief in the transformative power of nursing, Alexandria is dedicated to improving health outcomes on a global scale. After graduation, Alexandria intends to further her education to become a Nurse Practitioner or Anesthetist and improve nursing policies.

Leadership, to me, is about inspiring and guiding others toward a common goal. It involves empathy, effective communication, and the ability to make tough decisions while remaining open to feedback. A good leader fosters collaboration, nurtures growth, and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Ultimately, leadership is about serving others and helping them realize their potential.