Change Starts Here

2015 Future Alumni Essay Contest Runner Up TTC Graduate, Crystal Kazmierski Just over five years ago, I was setting sail on my journey of following my dreams when I decided to return to school to become a nurse. At that time, I was living in Columbia where I was a paralegal at a large law firm, and most importantly, I was enjoying motherhood. My husband and I had just welcomed the newest member of our family, our beautiful daughter, Eveliina. Being pregnant and having a natural childbirth was an amazing and life-altering experience. I immersed myself in the process — reading books and articles, talking with friends, asking questions, and participating in classes. Throughout my pregnancy and labor I had positive interactions with my nurses and doctors. They empowered me to become an active participant in my health care. I realized that educating a patient is one of the most important ways a health care provider can positively impact their patient. Through education, and not mere i...