Our sincere thanks to Jacksonville University Keigwin School of Nursing, Class of 2021 graduates for choosing the Policy Center as the recipient for their class gift. As the gift recipient, we were honored for Vivian, a former intern and recipient of services, to share her Policy Center experience during the graduation ceremony. Vivian is now a nurse in Jacksonville and her story inspired all who heard it that day.
Vivian was kind enough to share her speech with us:
My life experiences led to me to intern with the Policy center about 7 or 8 years ago, when I was a student at the University of North Florida. When I was a young girl, I was in foster care, I was involved in the juvenile justice system, and was just a girl caught up in an at-risk environment. And when I say at risk…both of my parents were on drugs and died due to their drug use. My neighborhood was not the safest neighborhood at all.
It’s those experiences that made the Policy Center’s work truly resonate with me. While interning at the Policy center, I was able to mentor and give back to girls who were in the same predicament I was as a child. It was amazing being able to give back and see their little lives improve. I am truly inspired by the work of the Policy Center.
After completing my internship, I reached back out to the Policy Center again to help me personally deal with some of the long lasting effects of my childhood experiences. The Policy Center has helped me to keep stable housing and even provided me with additional study materials when completing school. I also have received guidance through the Policy Center that has helped me become the person I am today. I am forever grateful for some of the connections I’ve made within the Policy Center and their mentorship to me.
Congratulations, well wishes, and gratitude for the Jacksonville University Keigwin School of Nursing, graduating class of 2021!
