Professor Shiela Ford, now known as Doctor Shiela Ford, has impacted my life in many ways. Looking at her title is one way. She has taught me how to keep going through many storms and to never give up. I remember in nursing school I was so disappointed because I failed my HESI exam, which was an exit exam needed to pass the course. After the many days of sitting in class and many nights of studying for exams, I was right there at the finish line. I wondered how could something so devastating happen to me at a moment like this in my life. All I wanted was to provide for my family and give my 4 children at the time, a better future. Doctor Ford called me into her office for a meeting. She greeted me with the most beautiful smile, which was one of the things I have always loved about her. No matter how hard each day got for her, she taught her students how to smile our way through. In this meeting she taught me ways to be successful. The first thing she asked was do I believe in me. I had to ask myself that question because I never really thought about that. She taught me how I had to believe in myself and know for myself that I am a smart, intelligent, and a beautiful young lady. If I want something to go and get it, and that nothing hard comes easy to an achiever. I thought about that as I cried my way out the door and all night at home. I prayed and asked myself one more time that question aloud. I then smiled and picked my head up high. I said I have children I want to see me succeed and follow my footsteps. How can I teach them to be successful yet see myself as a failure? There was no way! I then began to study harder each day, all while taking care of my family and working two jobs. I was determined and was not going to let anyone, or anything, stop me. When it was time to take that exam the following year I passed with flying colors. Doctor Ford pulled me into her office once again with that big, beautiful smile, but this time I met her at the door with that same smile and my head held high. She asked what I did differently? I said I watched you through this entire program for a year and saw how you fought through storms, tears, and so many battles, but yet everyday you came in with a smile and your head held high. The world never knew your pain. When you pulled me into this office last year and asked me the question of do I believe in myself and am I a failure, I quickly pulled myself together after weeping all that week. That was what many people had told me all my life and after having a baby at 15, that I would be like my parents and on the streets somewhere. I said I refused and after hearing those words from someone who never knew me, I knew that it was time to show the world who I really was. Doctor Shiela Ford, you brought out my dream of one day reaching my goals and going even beyond that. I started off with you receiving my RN. I kept going and received my BSN, MSN, and now I am dual certified as a Family and Psychiatric NP. I give all praises to The Most High first off for working in and through you. I am so grateful to have met someone like you. You have touched not only mine, but the lives of so many other students throughout your career. It shows as they continue to keep in contact with you and tell their many stories of what they have accomplished since they crossed your path. Thank you for your obedience and guidance throughout my career and life. You are definitely one of a kind and unforgettable.
Emmalita Hall, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
