Selkirk nursing graduate, Kara Sundberg, recently won the University of Victoria (UVic) Faculty of Human and Social Development Award of Distinction for the highest grade point average (GPA) of all graduates in the faculty.
Sundberg’s GPA was not only the highest in her nursing program, it was the highest in the faculty, which included students from seven other programs.
“I feel honoured to have won this award, especially among so many great students in my graduating class,” she said.
Sundberg lives in Crescent Valley and chose to attend Selkirk’s nursing program because she had the option to stay closer to home while obtaining her degree from UVic.
“It was very important for me to have the option to study at Selkirk and stay close to home,” she said. “I don't think I would have gone back to school if the option wasn’t available.”
She earned her first degree from UVic in biology and began working in forestry and fisheries, but developed an interest in human physiology, which led her to nursing.
Nursing seem a great fit for Sundberg and she has been described by her senior instructors as quietly accomplished and humble, offering serene care for others, especially those who are marginalized in society.
“Kara is very supportive of people in need, whether it’s been another student in her class, clients and patients, or those living on the fringe," said Ruth Dubois, nursing program coordinator and one of Kara’s instructors. “Along with her academic excellence, she has always valued helping people and has focused on holistic and collaborative ways to do that.”
Sundeberg's experience at Selkirk was positive and supportive.
“The instructors were incredibly personable and supportive, and the small class size and diversity of practicum experiences provided me with a great learning environment,” she said. “I also wanted to get involved in my community and thought nursing was a good fit for this.”
She is now working as a nurse on a medical unit at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson and her plans are to pursue a career in Nelson or the surrounding area.
“This is my community and this is where I hope to remain,” said Sundberg. “I hope to gain as much experience as I can over the next year or two and eventually specialize."
Offering a positive and supportive learning environment, as well as the ability to stay close to home and study, builds on Selkirk's strategic directions to increase enrolments, and engage the wider community in learning and developing innovative programs and services.
Learn more about Selkirk's nursing program online at www.selkirk.bc.ca/program/nursing