What's new with Melissa?

Hello Lovely TJ Myrick Fund Supporters! 
     Melissa here! I was the first recipient of the amazing TJ Myrick Scholarship. I was asked to update you all on where I have been since then! When I last saw some of you at the golf tournament, I spoke about how my life has unexpectedly taken me to Texas as my now husband (yay! 😊) has taken a job here. So, if life has taught me anything so far, it’s that my “life plan” is always changing, but that ok and kind of exciting! My plan was to work with veterans in Denver, but as there is no VA hospital where we are now living, I was challenged to find a new way to help veterans. I took my experience from Swedish Medical Center Spine Unit and love of neuroscience, and I was lucky enough to have gotten a job at University Medical Center Neuro Step-down ICCU. I love it here and am challenged with many types of critical patients on a daily basis. I still get to take care of veterans as my patient on occasion and love listening to their stories.
     Currently, I am also half way done with my Master Degree with a focus on Nursing Leadership and Management. I am set to graduate this December! While working in a class last semester, a wonderful opportunity was given to me, we were told to make a project or grant in support of a group we are passionate about. I instantly thought of veterans and was put in touch with an amazing program here in Texas called VetStar. With their help, we established a support group for veterans and their families to openly discuss their struggles with PTSD. I have also been doing small assistive projects to assist the veterans here and there outside of the project and after the class ended. I met some wonderful people there and am so glad I found a way to still care for veterans!
     I am so lucky to have had the opportunities I have had. None of it would have been possible without the TJ Myrick Scholarship or the amazing love and kindness of Steve and Pam Myrick. They have truly built an amazing scholarship fund that has helped so many young nurses realize their dream. Thank you so much for you support to this amazing scholarship! I hope to talk with you again soon!

​Melissa